A bill that would require developers to prove there is a sufficient water supply before getting approval for a new development cleared its first test Tuesday.
The House Local Government Committee passed House Bill 1141, sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Curry, D-Gunnison, with a 7-3 vote. Curry said it is critical for Colorado communities to connect growth with water supply, and she said the drought of recent years exposed how precious water is in the state.
“We do live in an arid environment,” she said. “That’s a fact of life.”
The bill requires developers to submit reports detailing the proposed development’s expected water demand and where the development intends to get that water. It then requires local governments to make a determination of whether the water supply is sufficient to cover the development’s needs.
Supporters call the bill a common-sense measure.
“There is nothing more important in Colorado in the arena of policy making that dealing with water,” said Rep. Cherylin Peniston, D-Westminster, who sits on the committee.
Environmental groups also rallied behind the bill.
“It offers a rational approach for cities across the state,” said Bart Miller, with Western Resource Advocates.
The Colorado Association of Home Builders opposed the bill.
Rep. Steve King, a Grand Junction Republican who sits on the committee, said he agrees that the issue is important, but he said he thinks Curry’s bill needs more consideration.
John Ingold: 303-954-1068 or jingold@denverpost.com
