Governor Polis signs bill to restore protections for wetlands and streams

We are pleased to announce Governor Polis signed HB24-1379 today in the scenic mountain town of Silverthorne. The law safeguards our waters by restoring protections for our wetlands and streams. Following a Supreme Court decision, some Colorado wetlands and streams were no longer protected from dredging and filling pollution resulting from mining and development.

Our wetlands and streams are essential for clean water and a healthy ecosystem. 98% of Colorado’s population depends on drinking water that comes from headwaters, ephemeral, or intermittent streams.. Wetlands also provide critical habitat for 80% of Colorado’s wildlife at some point in their lives.

As reported in the Colorado Attorney General’s amicus brief on the Supreme Court case, it is estimated that about two-thirds of Colorado’s waters are temporary in nature and would lack protection without this legislation.

The new law establishes a permitting program under the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to regulate dredge and fill activities that impact state waters in Colorado. This is similar to what was in place under the Clean Water Act before the Supreme Court’s decision.

Thanks to the leadership of Speaker McCluskie, Senator Roberts, Representative McCormick, Senator Kirkmeyer, and Governor Polis, many of Colorado streams and wetlands have regained protections  from dredging and filling activities associated with development and mining.