Colorado § 25-16.5-102 - Legislative declaration.

§ 25-16.5-102. Legislative declaration.

(1) The general assembly finds that:

(a) The "Pollution Prevention Act of 1992", which has been instrumental in addressing certain environmental concerns over the previous three decades, should be updated to meet the state's evolving sustainability and circularity needs;

(b) Circularity, including waste diversion and aversion, involves more than diverting waste materials from the landfill. A circular business model prevents waste, uses resources efficiently, prioritizes renewable inputs, and invests in improved product design as a means to maximize a product's value by maximizing the product's usage and lifetime. At the end of a product's useful life, circularity involves recovering and reusing the product and any byproducts created in its manufacturing to make new materials and products.

(c) Waste diversion and aversion, which are important components of circularity and include organics management:

(I) Extend the useful life of local landfills;

(II) Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions;

(III) Protect the soil relied upon for the state's farmland; and

(IV) Save natural resources;

(d) It is critical to foster and recognize partnerships between governments, businesses, and communities in achieving the state's sustainability and circularity objectives. Businesses have the potential to lead in environmental stewardship and to play a vital role in reaching these objectives.

(e) Efforts to improve sustainability services and circularity in the state, including by providing coaching and recognition of businesses engaged in sustainability and circularity, support Colorado's environment and economy and the social fabric of our state.

(2) The general assembly further finds that:

(a) By merging the recycling resources economic opportunity program and the front range waste diversion enterprise into a new Colorado circular communities enterprise:

(I) The impact of waste disposal throughout the state can be minimized, and, as a result, the state's natural beauty and resources can be better maintained;

(II) Increased services may be provided to the waste disposal site operators that pay fees, as well as to residents and businesses throughout the state; and

(III) More diverse, equitable, efficient, and innovative solutions to waste management can be implemented through the evolving field of circularity, including regional and statewide solutions that benefit communities outside of the front range; and

(b) Through the development of regional solutions, public-private partnerships, and extended project periods, the Colorado circular communities enterprise will provide local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and other eligible entities with enhanced project design options to support community projects that will provide environmental and economic benefits throughout the state.

(3) Therefore, the general assembly declares that:

(a) The modernization of the "Pollution Prevention Act of 1992" is necessary to build a comprehensive framework for advancing sustainability and circularity efforts in the state through technical assistance, financial assistance, and recognition of innovative leaders in sustainable operations; and

(b) This article 16.5 fosters environmental sustainability by seeking to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental care in a manner that meets the needs of current generations in the state without compromising the needs of future generations.

Source: L. 2024: Entire article R&RE, (HB 24-1449), ch. 192, p. 1110, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 25-16.5-102 as it existed prior to 2024.