HOUSE PASSES COMPOSTING BILL

Legislation would create a statewide organics management plan to improve soil health and combat climate change

DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representatives Lisa Cutter and Meg Froelich’s legislation to create a statewide organics management plan by a vote of 39-24.

“Composting diverts waste from landfills, increases the carbon storage capacity of agricultural lands and improves soil health,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This bill is truly win-win-win. It will help us protect the Colorado way of life by helping our farmers and by providing us with the data we need to get closer to our zero waste goal.”

“Through collaborations with farmers, composters, the state and nonprofit groups, this plan will give our state the information we need to improve composting and organics management so that we can continue our work to boost soil health and address climate change,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood.

HB20-1047 would establish a statewide organics management plan to study the way Colorado disposes of organic waste and encourage the use of composting as a means of carbon storage. In addition to the environmental benefits, compost use could help agriculture producers improve soil health, leading to enhanced crop value and production.

If this bill is enacted, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) would consult with a diverse set of stakeholders and submit their management plan by February 1, 2023 to the House Energy and Environment Committee, House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee, Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.