SB 18-245

This bill removes the current restriction that prevents Colorado's state board of health from adopting rules for the disposal of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) until after the federal EPA creates such rules, which has not yet occurred. By eliminating this prohibition, the bill enables the state board to independently develop and implement regulations for NORM disposal, and additionally requires them to regulate technologically enhanced NORM (TENORM) by December 31, 2020. The legislation mandates a stakeholder engagement process and legislative reporting requirements before the rules are finalized, with interim guidance governing TENORM handling until the new rules take effect, ensuring Colorado can address radioactive material disposal without waiting for federal action.