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This issue brief describes single-use plastics, current Colorado law, proposed legislation in Colorado that would have addressed single-use plastics, and other states that have enacted single-use plastics legislation.

During the 2019 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of measures related to climate change, land conservation, wildfires, and other issues related to environmental protection.

The state incurs wildfire-related expenditures in several departments for various activities including wildfire prevention, preparedness, mitigation, suppression, and recovery.  These activities are not explicitly broken out in the state budget and are spread across various line items in multiple departments, making tracking of wildfire spending difficult.  This memorandum provides detailed funding information for three agencies that are responsible for the majority of wildfire-related expenditures in the state:he state incurs wildfire-related expenditures in several departments f

The recently renamed Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee (WRARC) was created to contribute to and monitor the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources for the general welfare of the state (Section 37-98-102, C.R.S.).  In 2022, the committee charge was updated to include Colorado agriculture issues.  The committee is also required to review statewide planning for water resources. 

Report No. 2022-TE24

Report No. 2022-TE13

Report No. 2020-TE3

Report No. 2022-TE11

The instream flow (ISF) program was created by legislation in 1973, which authorized the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to appropriate or acquire water rights of natural streams and lakes to preserve the natural environment without diverting the water.

Report No. 2023-TE4

This issue brief provides an overview of conservation easements in Colorado and discusses the certification process, federal and state tax incentives for the donation of conservation easements, and state purchases of conservation easements.

During the 2024 legislative session, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation related to veterinary care, species conservation, public engagement, and potatoes.

Legislative Council Staff produces greenhouse gas emissions reports (GHG reports) that estimate the emissions impact of certain bills. Utilization of these reports has been low. The reports repeal following the 2025 session unless extended by legislation.

Several pieces of legislation focused on water in Colorado were passed during the 2024 session. These include measures concerning water projects, regulations for construction activities near wetlands and rivers, water conservation efforts, and improving water quality.

In 2012, the General Assembly enacted and the Governor signed the Electronic Recycling Jobs Act (Senate Bill 12-133), which prohibits the disposal of certain personal-use electronic items in landfills. This issue brief provides an overview of electronic waste (e-waste) legislation, the types of devices that may and may not be disposed of in Colorado landfills, and information about how to properly dispose of e-waste.

This memorandum provides an overview of the history of the Clean Air Act, describes common air pollutants and their health impacts, describes Colorado’s air quality concerns and state programs, and lists recently proposed legislation, which aims to improve air quality.   

Pursuant to Senate Bill 13-082. The purpose of this committee is to review and propose legislation or other policy changes related to wildfire prevention, mitigation, and related matters, including public safety and forest health issues.

Pursuant to Article 98 of Title 37, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources.

Pursuant to Senate Bill 13-082. The purpose of this committee is to review and propose legislation or other policy changes related to wildfire prevention, mitigation, and related matters, including public safety and forest health issues. 

Pursuant to Article 98 of Title 37, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources. 

Pursuant to Senate Bill 13-082. The purpose of this committee is to oversee and review the prevention, mitigation, and financing of wildfire matters in Colorado. 

Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Lower North Fork Wildfire Commission.

This memorandum focuses on ground-level ozone, the harmful air pollutant that is the main ingredient of “smog.” Ground-level ozone significantly impacts the health of Coloradans and the environment. It is also important to note that ground-level ozone differs from “good” ozone, or stratospheric ozone, which occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere and forms a protective layer that shields the earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.