Colorado Agencies Respond to Federal Proposal on 'Waters of the United States' Protections
Colorado agencies are responding to a federal proposal from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to redefine 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) in light of a recent Supreme Court decision. In response, Colorado has enacted House Bill 1379 to establish its own water protections, focusing on safeguarding isolated wetlands and seasonal streams, which are crucial for the state's ecological health. The comment period for the federal proposal has ended, and a review phase is underway before finalizing the rule.
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Colorado agencies are addressing the federal proposal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to redefine 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposed changes aim to align with a 2023 Supreme Court decision that narrowed WOTUS to navigable waters and wetlands with consistent connections.
Colorado has enacted House Bill 1379 to establish its own water protections, addressing concerns about the federal proposal's potential impact on arid states. The bill mandates the state's Water Quality Control Commission to create regulations safeguarding isolated wetlands and seasonal streams.
Colorado officials emphasize the importance of these waters for ecological health and state resources, highlighting that 68% of Colorado's stream miles are non-perennial. The comment period for the federal proposal has concluded, leading to a review phase before finalizing the rule.
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