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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.

Greenhouse gas emissions have been identified by the global scientific community as the major driver of climate change.  Globally, countries are committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat the effects of climate change.  This memorandum provides background on the policies and programs related to greenhouse gas emissions reductions at the national, regional, and state levels within the United States.

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.

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.

This memorandum provides a brief overview of wildfire-related legislation from 2020 to 2024. It includes all staff-identified bills related to wildfire, including bills introduced by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee. Bills are organized by category and identify impacted state agencies. The memorandum also includes information on appropriations, transfers, and other associated costs of the legislation.

Submitted herewith is the final report of the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality. This committee was created pursuant to Article 7 of Title 25, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to study ozone air quality in Colorado.

As one of the top agricultural states in the United States, Colorado agriculture generates approximately $47 billion annually in economic activity. Agriculture in Colorado is made up of about 30 million acres of farmland, with approximately 36,000 different farm operations, employing more than 195,000 people. This issue brief gives an overview of agriculture in Colorado, including the Colorado Proud label, the wine industry in the state, and a map showing the economic value of agriculture in each county.

Wildfire Matters Review Committee Final Report.

Note: A more recent evaluation was issued in December 2025. Click HERE to access the December 2025 report.

Report No. 2023-TE15

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.

During the 2023 legislative session the General Assembly considered several measures related to energy and natural resources including clean energy; wildfire; and going green at home.

The General Assembly considered multiple bills related to water, including legislation focused on project funding, xeriscaping, studying various water challenges across the state, and stream restoration.

The Legislative Council Staff’s Water Policy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's water policies and programs.  The book is divided into three parts.  Each part covers a different aspect of Colorado water law and policy.
 

Report No. 2023-TE4

This memorandum memorializes the process for requesting and preparing greenhouse gas emissions reports (GHG reports) pursuant to Section 2-2-322.3, C.R.S., starting at the 2023 legislative session.  It outlines the number of reports per session, the process for requesting reports, the preparation and timing of reports, and the preparation of revised and final reports.

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. 

An estimated 3.3 million people in Colorado are affected by drought, with 2022 being the driest year to date over the past 128 years.  In response to the ongoing drought in Colorado, the General Assembly passed HB 22-1151 to promote the efficient and maximum utilization of Colorado’s water resources by decreasing the amount of irrigated turf within the state.  The bill requires the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the Department of Natural Resources to create a turf replacement program that incentivizes the voluntary replacement of nonessential irrigated turf acr

During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to natural resources and the environment including wildfire prevention and control; air quality; natural resources; environmental protection; and recycling.

During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to water, including water project funding, groundwater sustainability, watershed resiliency, turf replacement, and other water related efforts.

Report No. 2022-TE24

Report No. 2022-TE11

Note: A more recent evaluation was issued in November 2023. Click HERE to access the November 2023 report.

Report No. 2022-TE13

Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Water Resources Review Committee.

Pursuant to Section 2-3-1602, C.R.S., the committee is charged with reviewing and proposing legislation or other policy changes related to wildfire prevention, mitigation, and related matters, including public safety and forest health issues.