Home / Environment / No New Taxes: Colorado Prop 137 Funds Conservation and Fire Prevention
No New Taxes: Colorado Prop 137 Funds Conservation and Fire Prevention
1 Sep
Summary
- Colorado voters will decide on a ballot proposition in November.
- The proposition redirects existing sporting goods tax revenue.
- It aims to fund wildfire prevention and conservation efforts.
This November, Colorado voters will determine the fate of Proposition 137, a ballot measure focused on environmental protection and wildfire mitigation. The proposition seeks to reallocate revenue generated from an existing state sales tax on sporting goods and equipment. Crucially, it does not propose any new taxes for Coloradans.
If approved, Proposition 137 is estimated to generate around $175 million each year. This funding would be divided, with $83 million allocated to Great Outdoors Colorado for conservation projects, new state parks, habitat restoration, and recreational infrastructure. The remaining $83 million would support the Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado State Forest Service for wildfire mitigation efforts across the state.
Supporters, including Denver Water CEO Alan Salazar, emphasize the critical need for forest restoration due to the increasing threat of intense wildfires damaging vital watersheds. The proposition's certification for the November ballot followed the submission of sufficient signatures by the Protect Colorado's Land and Water, Prevent Wildfires campaign.
