CO SB075

Prohibits the State Engineer from reducing final designated groundwater permit parameters based solely on water conservation efforts that reduce actual water usage.

Protects three permit specifications from modification due to conservation-driven reductions: maximum annual volume (acre-feet per year), maximum pumping rate (gallons per minute), and maximum irrigated acreage.

Exception allows permit modifications only through formal change of use proceedings under Section 37-90-111(1)(g), preserving existing legal mechanisms for permit transfers.

Applies retroactively to all water volume, rate, and acreage determinations occurring on or after the effective date of August 7, 2013.

Subject to referendum petition; would require voter approval at November 2014 general election if challenged within 90 days of legislative adjournment.