(1)The general assembly finds that:
(a)The Pollution Prevention Act of 1992, which has been instrumental in
addressing certain environmental concerns over the previous three decades, should
be updated to meet the state's evolving sustainability and circularity needs;
(b)Circularity, including waste diversion and aversion, involves more than
diverting waste materials from the landfill. A circular business model prevents
waste, uses resources efficiently, prioritizes renewable inputs, and invests in
improved product design as a means to maximize a product's value by maximizing
the product's usage and lifetime. At the end of a product's useful life, circularity
involves recovering and reusing the product and any byproducts created in its
manufacturing to make new materials and pr
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(1) The general assembly finds that:
(a) The Pollution Prevention Act of 1992, which has been instrumental in
addressing certain environmental concerns over the previous three decades, should
be updated to meet the state's evolving sustainability and circularity needs;
(b) Circularity, including waste diversion and aversion, involves more than
diverting waste materials from the landfill. A circular business model prevents
waste, uses resources efficiently, prioritizes renewable inputs, and invests in
improved product design as a means to maximize a product's value by maximizing
the product's usage and lifetime. At the end of a product's useful life, circularity
involves recovering and reusing the product and any byproducts created in its
manufacturing to make new materials and products.
(c) Waste diversion and aversion, which are important components of
circularity and include organics management:
(I) Extend the useful life of local landfills;
(II) Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions;
(III) Protect the soil relied upon for the state's farmland; and
(IV) Save natural resources;
(d) It is critical to foster and recognize partnerships between governments,
businesses, and communities in achieving the state's sustainability and circularity
objectives. Businesses have the potential to lead in environmental stewardship and
to play a vital role in reaching these objectives.
(e) Efforts to improve sustainability services and circularity in the state,
including by providing coaching and recognition of businesses engaged in
sustainability and circularity, support Colorado's environment and economy and the
social fabric of our state.
(2) The general assembly further finds that:
(a) By merging the recycling resources economic opportunity program and
the front range waste diversion enterprise into a new Colorado circular
communities enterprise:
(I) The impact of waste disposal throughout the state can be minimized, and,
as a result, the state's natural beauty and resources can be better maintained;
(II) Increased services may be provided to the waste disposal site operators
that pay fees, as well as to residents and businesses throughout the state; and
(III) More diverse, equitable, efficient, and innovative solutions to waste
management can be implemented through the evolving field of circularity,
including regional and statewide solutions that benefit communities outside of the
front range; and
(b) Through the development of regional solutions, public-private
partnerships, and extended project periods, the Colorado circular communities
enterprise will provide local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and other eligible
entities with enhanced project design options to support community projects that
will provide environmental and economic benefits throughout the state.
(3) Therefore, the general assembly declares that:
(a) The modernization of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1992 is necessary
to build a comprehensive framework for advancing sustainability and circularity
efforts in the state through technical assistance, financial assistance, and
recognition of innovative leaders in sustainable operations; and
(b) This article 16.5 fosters environmental sustainability by seeking to strike
a balance between economic growth and environmental care in a manner that
meets the needs of current generations in the state without compromising the
needs of future generations.