Legislative Activity

The "Protect the West Act of 2025" establishes an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund to provide grants and support restoration projects on federal and non-federal lands, with the goal of improving forest health, watershed function, and wildlife habitat. It creates a Restoration Fund Advisory Council to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on fund distribution and project prioritization. The act also establishes a Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program to implement restoration projects in designated areas, and it allocates significant funding for these initiatives, emphasizing job creation, community involvement, and ecological integrity.

The Gold King Mine Spill Compensation Act of 2025 provides compensation to individuals and businesses who suffered damages from the 2015 Gold King Mine spill and whose claims were previously denied or not fully compensated by the EPA. This Act allows the EPA Administrator to investigate and settle these claims, using Colorado state laws to calculate damages, and establishes a process for claimants to challenge the Administrator's decision in court. The bill also allocates $3.3 million for claim payments. Acceptance of payment under this act releases the United States from any further liability related to the Gold King Mine spill.

The "High Rise Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2025" incentivizes the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in high-rise residential buildings by classifying these retrofits as 15-year property for depreciation purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. This classification allows for an accelerated depreciation schedule, providing a tax benefit to building owners who invest in these life-saving systems. The bill defines specific criteria for eligible sprinkler systems, including adherence to National Fire Protection Association standards and installation in buildings with occupiable floors more than 75 feet above fire department access. These provisions aim to encourage widespread adoption of fire sprinkler systems, enhancing safety for residents in high-rise buildings.

The "Bolts Ditch Act" amends a previous act to expand the list of entities eligible to perform maintenance on Bolts Ditch and its headgate within Colorado's Holy Cross Wilderness. Specifically, it adds the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, a Colorado Special District, and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority to the list of eligible maintainers. This aims to ensure the upkeep of this important water infrastructure.

The "Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act" amends Public Law 87-590, modifying the repayment terms for the Arkansas Valley Conduit in Colorado. It stipulates that repayments will be without interest and only cover construction funding from non-federal sources. The repayment period for project facilities is extended to 100 years.

The Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act aims to reform and enhance the pay, benefits, and overall support for Federal wildland firefighters. This includes establishing special base rates of pay, incident response premium pay, and rest and recuperation leave. The bill also addresses health concerns by creating a database for tracking chronic diseases, establishing a mental health program, and providing mental health leave. Additionally, it enhances retirement benefits, ensures pay parity with structural firefighters, and establishes a casualty assistance program to support firefighters and their families in times of need.

The Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025 authorizes the EPA to provide grants, up to $3,000,000 each, to air pollution control agencies for establishing cleaner air space programs in wildfire smoke-prone areas. These programs must partner with community organizations to establish clean air centers, distribute air filtration units to low-income households, and provide educational resources. The EPA will report to Congress on program implementation and effectiveness and authorizes $30,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out this section for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.