Colorado's Proposed "Waters of the State" Law Raises Concerns of Overregulation
Colorado is facing scrutiny and concerns from conservatives over a proposed "Waters of the State" law that could lead to excessive regulation of all water within the state.
Critics argue that this policy bears resemblance to the controversial federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) law and could have detrimental effects on property rights and economic growth.
Under the proposed "Waters of the State" law, Colorado would expand its jurisdiction over water resources, granting the state authority to regulate all bodies of water, including rivers, streams, wetlands, and even smaller bodies such as ditches and ponds. The aim is to enhance water protection and management, but critics argue that it could lead to an overreach of governmental authority.