Task Force On High-altitude Water Storage
The task force created by this legislation will assess several crucial aspects, including the relationship between increased snowmaking and possible water storage benefits. This study will also look into whether snowmaking can serve as a meaningful form of water storage and evaluate the potential advantages of smaller storage ponds compared to larger reservoirs. Additionally, a time-benefit analysis will be conducted to evaluate the costs and timelines associated with expanded snowmaking operations versus traditional reservoir construction.
House Bill 1010 establishes a task force in Colorado dedicated to studying the feasibility of high-altitude water storage. The primary objective of this task force is to explore the potential implementation of storing water in the form of snow in high-altitude areas. This bill mandates that the task force submit a report to the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee by June 1, 2024, detailing its findings, recommendations, and any related legislative proposals. The bill outlines the composition of the task force, which consists of representatives from various sectors including state officials and industry stakeholders involved in skiing and whitewater rafting.
Concerns may arise regarding the feasibility and environmental impacts of high-altitude water storage proposals, especially given Colorado's sensitive ecosystems and climate considerations. The bill has a sunset provision, meaning the task force will disband after reporting its findings in December 2024. This limited duration could potentially lead to a quick pivot on the viability of water storage methods while ensuring that any legislative actions stemming from this bill will need careful consideration to avoid unintended consequences on Colorado's natural resources.