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SB 25-305

Water Quality Permitting Efficiency

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Amabile and 39 co-sponsors

Colorado SB 25-305 speeds up water quality permit reviews and coordination among agencies, through streamlined timelines and electronic systems, while preserving protections.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 25-305

SB 25‑305 — Water Quality Permitting Efficiency (Colorado)

Status: Governor signed (June 4, 2025)
Introduced: April 23, 2025

Quick summary

SB 25‑305 is a Colorado legislative bill titled "Water Quality Permitting Efficiency." The bill has completed the legislative process and was signed by the Governor on June 4, 2025. Its stated aim (as implied by the title) is to improve the efficiency, timeliness, and predictability of water‑quality permitting processes administered by state agencies while maintaining applicable water quality protections.

Known legislative history & sponsors

  • Introduced in the Senate: April 23, 2025 (assigned to Appropriations).
  • Passed both chambers (Senate and House) with various committee actions and readings in late April–May 2025.
  • Sent to the Governor: May 13, 2025. Signed by the Governor: June 4, 2025.
  • Primary sponsors: Shannon Bird, Rick Taggart, Barbara Kirkmeyer, Jeff Bridges (plus many cosponsors from both parties).

What the bill intends (high‑level)

The title indicates the bill focuses on streamlining the state’s water quality permitting system. Although the bill text is not included here, legislation with this title typically seeks to:
- Shorten or prescribe review timelines for permit applications to reduce backlog and increase predictability for applicants.
- Improve interagency coordination (a “one‑stop” or consolidated review) so that applicants receive coordinated feedback from multiple agencies and boards.
- Authorize or expand electronic application and tracking systems to speed submission, review, and public notice.
- Establish clear metrics, reporting requirements, or performance standards for permitting agencies.
- Provide temporary or expedited authorizations for low‑risk projects, while maintaining substantive water quality standards.
- Adjust fee structures or provide appropriations to improve agency capacity for timely reviews.

Who would be affected

  • State permitting agencies and commissions responsible for water quality (e.g., Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment and related water quality boards).
  • Permit applicants: municipalities, wastewater treatment utilities, industrial dischargers, developers, agriculture and irrigation districts, and other entities needing water quality permits.
  • Local governments, environmental organizations, and the public (through changes to public notice/comment procedures or timelines).
  • Potentially the regulated community and economy via faster project start times and lower permitting costs if efficiencies are realized.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Benefits: reduced delays, greater predictability for infrastructure and development projects, improved administrative efficiency, and potentially lower costs for applicants.
  • Risks/concerns: if expedited procedures are not paired with safeguards, there could be perceived or real risks to water quality protections or reduced opportunity for public engagement; effectiveness may depend on agency funding and staffing.
  • Implementation: as the Governor has signed the bill, implementation may require agency rulemaking, system upgrades, or appropriations; check the bill text for effective dates and required timelines.

Next steps / where to find the full bill

To review precise provisions, effective dates, and any appropriations or rulemaking directives, consult the official bill text on the Colorado General Assembly website (search: SB 25‑305) or the Secretary of State’s legislative documents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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