SB 24-037

Senate Bill 24-037, which has been signed into law, requires the University of Colorado and Colorado State University to work with the Department of Public Health and Environment on a study about using green spaces instead of traditional water treatment facilities to improve water quality. The universities will also set up pilot projects around the state to test these methods and explore new ways to fund them. By November 1, 2026, they must submit a report with their findings and recommendations for how Colorado can better use green infrastructure and financing options. This bill is now law and took effect on August 7, 2024.

Official Summary

The act requires the university of Colorado and Colorado state university, in collaboration with the division of administration (division) in the department of public health and environment (department), to: On or before October 1, 2024, start to conduct a feasibility study of the use of green infrastructure, which refers to interconnected networks of green spaces for water quality management solutions that are an alternative to traditional gray infrastructure, which refers to centralized water quality treatment facilities, and the use of green financing mechanisms for water quality management; Complete the feasibility study on or before April 1, 2026; and Establish up to 3 pilot projects in the state to demonstrate the use of green infrastructure and the financing of an alternative compliance program. Each pilot project may be operated for up to 5 years and the universities may provide technical assistance to the operator of a pilot project. On or before November 1, 2026, the division, in coordination with the universities, is required to submit a report and, on or before February 1, 2027, present the report to the water resources and agriculture review committee. The report and presentation must concern the progress of the feasibility study and any pilot projects and on any legislative and administrative recommendations to promote the use of green infrastructure and green financing mechanisms for water quality management in the state. APPROVED by Governor May 24, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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