summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill grants the energy and carbon management commission (commission) authority over class I, class IV, and class V injection wells and allows the commission to seek and adopt rules related to primacy from the United States environmental protection agency (EPA) for these classes of injection wells. The commission may assess and collect fees related to the regulation of class I, class IV, and class V injection wells. A person that willfully violates a rule, permit, authorization, or order of the commission related to these classes of injection wells commits a misdemeanor and is subject to certain penalties. The bill also grants the mined land reclamation board (board) authority over class III injection wells and allows the board to seek and adopt rules related to primacy from the EPA for class III injection wells. The board may assess and collect fees related to the regulation of class III injection wells. A person that violates a rule, permit, authorization, or order of the board related to class III injection wells or that operates a class III injection well without a permit from the board is subject to certain penalties. The bill also provides that a class III injection well is not eligible for an exemption from designated mining operation status, which status subjects the operator to certain rules adopted by the board.
AI Summary
This bill designates the Colorado energy and carbon management commission (commission) as the primary regulatory authority for Class I, Class IV, and Class V underground injection control (UIC) wells, which are used to inject fluids underground, and allows it to seek and adopt rules for oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The commission can collect fees to cover its costs for regulating these wells, and individuals who willfully violate rules, permits, or orders related to these well classes commit a misdemeanor, facing fines of at least $5,000 and up to $7,500 per day of violation. Additionally, the bill grants the mined land reclamation board (board) authority over Class III UIC wells, which are used for injecting fluids to extract minerals, and allows the board to pursue primacy from the EPA for these wells. The board can also collect fees for regulating Class III wells, and violations of its rules, permits, or orders, or operating a Class III well without a permit, will result in penalties, including civil penalties of $2,500 to $5,000 per day. Importantly, Class III injection wells are specifically excluded from an exemption that would otherwise allow certain mining operations to avoid designated mining operation status, meaning they will be subject to stricter rules.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
House Energy & Environment Hearing (00:00:00 2/25/2026 Room Old State Library) (on 02/25/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1112 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/111224/download |
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