Superior backs federal bill to expand radiation compensation for Colorado

The Superior Town Council adopted a resolution Sept. 14 supporting federal legislation that could expand radiation-compensation eligibility for some Colorado residents connected to Rocky Flats, the Cotter Uranium Mill and nuclear-weapons testing fallout.

Resolution R-73, Series 2026 urges Congress to approve H.R. 10115, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026. The resolution supports provisions that would recognize Rocky Flats and the Cotter Uranium Mill as Manhattan Project waste sites and designate Colorado as a downwind state for exposure to radioactive fallout from atmospheric nuclear testing.

If enacted, the bill could create a federal claims pathway for some people who lived, worked or attended school in qualifying Colorado areas during the periods specified by the legislation and later developed a covered illness. The introduced bill text lists Colorado ZIP codes including 80025, 80026 and 80027. Claimants would still have to meet other requirements and provide documentation; residence in one of those ZIP codes would not automatically qualify someone for compensation.

The bill also proposes changes to compensation and medical-expense provisions, adds some covered diseases and extends the proposed claims deadline through 2042.

H.R. 10115 has not become law. Congress.gov lists the bill as introduced Aug. 17, 2026, with referrals to the House Judiciary Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee. The listing does not show committee approval, a vote by either chamber or enactment as of Sept. 15.

The federal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act currently does not include Colorado among its downwind states. U.S. Department of Justice guidance lists downwind areas in Idaho, New Mexico and Utah, along with specified areas of Arizona and Nevada, and says claims must be filed by Dec. 31, 2027. The proposed changes would apply to Colorado only if Congress passes the bill and the president signs it.