CO HB1327

Prohibits state agencies and instrumentalities from issuing permits, licenses, rights-of-way, grants, loans, or other authorizations for projects that divert water from Water Division 3 (Rio Grande basin) to another Colorado basin or out of state unless the state engineer approves after consulting the Colorado Water Conservation Board

State engineer must determine that approved projects will not increase costs or negatively affect operation of the federal closed basin project

State engineer must determine that approved projects will not adversely affect national wildlife refuges, federal wildlife habitat area withdrawals, or the Great Sand Dunes National Park and National Preserve located in Water Division 3

State engineer must determine that approved projects will not increase costs or negatively affect operation of state parks, state wildlife areas, or lands administered by the state board of land commissioners in Water Division 3

Act takes effect August 5, 2020 (or upon voter approval if subject to referendum petition) and applies to water diversion applications filed on or after the effective date; does not alter existing operating projects or limit agencies' authority to reject projects on other grounds