Colorado Bill Prohibits Discharge of Preproduction Plastic Materials

Detected March 12th, 2026

Summary

Colorado SB26-016 proposes to prohibit facilities that make, use, handle, package, or transport plastic pellets and other preproduction plastic materials from discharging these materials into state waters, wastewater, or storm water runoff. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.

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What changed

Colorado Senate Bill 26-016, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, aims to prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets and other preproduction plastic materials. The bill specifically targets facilities that manufacture, use, handle, package, or transport these materials, preventing their release into state waters, wastewater, or any form of runoff. This legislation represents a new regulatory measure focused on preventing plastic pollution at its source.

If enacted, this bill will impose new compliance obligations on plastic material handlers within Colorado. Facilities will need to implement measures to prevent the discharge of preproduction plastic materials, potentially requiring updated operational procedures and infrastructure. As the bill is still under consideration, affected entities should monitor its progress through the legislative process and prepare for potential compliance requirements should it become law. Specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided summary.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of Colorado SB26-016 through the legislative process.
Review current operational procedures for potential discharge of preproduction plastic materials.
Prepare for potential implementation of new controls to prevent such discharges if the bill is enacted.

Source document (simplified)

SB26-016

Prohibit Discharge Preproduction Plastic Materials

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Natural Resources & Environment Public Health Water |
Concerning prohibiting the discharge of preproduction plastic materials.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

The bill prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other preproduction plastic materials through land application or into state waters, wastewater, storm water runoff, or other runoff by a facility ~~, point source, or person~~ that makes, uses, ~~handles,~~ packages, or transports plastic pellets or other preproduction plastic materials in the state.

(Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.)

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

Prime Sponsors

Senator

Lisa Cutter
Senator

Katie Wallace
Representative

Lesley Smith
Representative

Meghan Lukens

Committees

Senate

Transportation & Energy

House

Energy & Environment

If you require reasonable accessibility accommodation to access this content, please email accessibility@coleg.gov.

Status

Under Consideration

Introduced

Under Consideration

Related Documents & Information

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 02/17/2026 | Reengrossed | PDF |
| 02/12/2026 | Engrossed | PDF |
| 01/14/2026 | Introduced | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 02/05/2026 | PA1 | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 02/10/2026 | First Revised Fiscal Note | PDF |
| 01/29/2026 | Initial Fiscal Note | PDF |

| Activity | Vote | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refer Senate Bill 26-016, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. | The motion passed on a vote of 7-4. | Vote summary |

| Activity | Vote | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adopt amendment L.002 | The motion passed without objection. | Vote summary |
| Adopt amendment L.004 | The motion passed without objection. | Vote summary |
| Adopt amendment L.005 | The motion passed without objection. | Vote summary |
| Refer Senate Bill 26-016, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. | The motion passed on a vote of 5-3. | Vote summary |
Hearing Summary | Committee Report: PDF
| Date | Calendar | Motion | Vote | Vote Document |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 02/17/2026 | Third Reading | BILL | 19 AYE 11 NO 4 OTHER | Vote record |

| Date | Amendment Number | Committee/ Floor Hearing | Status | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 03/11/2026 | L.012 | HOU Energy & Environment | Passed [] | PDF |
| 03/11/2026 | L.011 | HOU Energy & Environment | Passed [] | PDF |
| 03/11/2026 | L.010 | HOU Energy & Environment | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/12/2026 | L.006 | Second Reading | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/12/2026 | L.008 | Second Reading | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/12/2026 | L.007 | Second Reading | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/12/2026 | L.009 | Second Reading | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/04/2026 | L.005 | SEN Transportation & Energy | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/04/2026 | L.004 | SEN Transportation & Energy | Passed [] | PDF |
| 02/04/2026 | L.002 | SEN Transportation & Energy | Passed [] | PDF |
* Amendments passed in committee are not incorporated into the measure unless adopted by the full House or Senate.

** The status of Second Reading amendments may be subsequently affected by the adoption of an amendment to the Committee of the Whole Report. Refer to the House or Senate Journal for additional information.

| Date | Location | Action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 03/11/2026 | House | House Committee on Energy & Environment Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole |
| 02/18/2026 | House | Introduced In House - Assigned to Energy & Environment |
| 02/17/2026 | Senate | Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments |
| 02/13/2026 | Senate | Senate Third Reading Laid Over to 02/17/2026 - No Amendments |
| 02/12/2026 | Senate | Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor |
| 02/10/2026 | Senate | Senate Second Reading Laid Over to 02/12/2026 - No Amendments |
| 02/09/2026 | Senate | Senate Second Reading Laid Over to 02/10/2026 - No Amendments |
| 02/04/2026 | Senate | Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole |
| 01/14/2026 | Senate | Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Transportation & Energy |
Prime Sponsor

Sen. L. Cutter | Sen. K. Wallace

Rep. M. Lukens | Rep. L. Smith

Sponsor

(None) Co-Sponsor