HB 23-1163

House Bill 23-1163, which has now been signed into law in Colorado, removes carbon dioxide from the list of pollutants regulated by state laws and rules. This means that carbon dioxide emissions will no longer be treated as a pollutant by state agencies or local governments, even if other regulations might suggest otherwise. The bill argues that carbon dioxide is less harmful compared to other greenhouse gases. As it has been signed, this law is now in effect and impacts how the state manages environmental regulations related to air quality and climate change.

Official Summary

Section 1 of the bill makes legislative findings regarding the minimal negative effects of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as a contributor to greenhouse gases in comparison to other, more harmful emissions. Section 2 prohibits the classification of carbon dioxide as a pollutant in the state and establishes that, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, state statute, executive agency rules, and any regulations of local governments or other political subdivisions of the state must not include the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions as a pollutant. Any portion of an executive agency rule that treats carbon dioxide emissions as a pollutant is void.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)