Colorado House Democrats

Democrats Celebrate Successful Session that "Invests in Kids"

Session ends 1 day early, saving taxpayers $15,400

(Denver) House Democrats gathered on the west steps of the Capitol today to celebrate a successful 2008 legislative session.  Over the past 119 days, Democrats have invested in Colorado’s kids -- their health, their green future, their education – so they can get a good job in a thriving economy.

Outgoing Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff opened the rally with these comments, “As the dust settles on this year’s legislative session, one conclusion is clear: children came out on top.”

The Second Regular Session of the 66^th General Assembly marked the fourth year that House Democrats served in the majority, as well as the last session for both Speaker Romanoff and Majority Leader Alice Madden.  Of each legislator’s tenure in the General Assembly, both were clear that this was the single best session for kids.

Outgoing Majority Leader Alice Madden echoed Romanoff’s enthusiasm about the productive steps the legislature took to improve the lives of Coloradans.

“After you give birth to two kids and then chase them around for 17 years, there is nothing you take more seriously than their well-being.  Our legacy will be the type of world we leave them. As a parent and a lawmaker, that’s what has directed me.  So I’m proud we did exactly what we promised to do on opening day: we invested in kids.” 

She pointed to 2008 legislature’s achievements, including ongoing efforts to make grow Colorado’s economy and provide jobs in one of the strongest new energy economies in the world.

“In 2008, we turbocharged our efforts to open the new energy economy to all Coloradans,” Rep. Madden said. “These efforts to improve the clean energy economy have brought high paying, ‘green collar’ jobs to our state.”

“This was a great year to be a kid in Colorado,” continued Speaker Romanoff.   “We did more good for more children in more need than at any other point in modern memory.”

The legislature came to a close today at 9:30 PM, a day early, saving Colorado taxpayers $15,400.

-- Posted by staff

Kafka Would Be Proud!

Bill taking on bark beetle’s metamorphosis of Colorado forests passes House

DENVER – On Monday, the House sent a bill to the Governor’s desk – with a sweeping vote of 64 to 1 – to extend the successful Colorado Forest Restoration Pilot Program.   

“We cannot stop the bark beetle epidemic.  But we can and must take steps to address the resulting devastation,” said the bill sponsor in the House, State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Silverthorne).

Senate Bill 71, which was also sponsored by State Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne), awaits will provide $1 million annually through 2012 to help communities implement forest treatment projects to reduce the wildfire fuels and protect Colorado’s vulnerable watersheds.

The bill is part of broad efforts by Western Slope and high country lawmakers to stem the bark beetle scourge. One recent study estimated that every lodgepole pine forest from Pueblo to Wyoming will be decimated within five years.   

Dead trees and abundant vegetation, spurred by the beetle infestation, serve as particularly potent fuel sources for wildfires that can devastate Colorado.  Many Colorado communities, as well as the state’s various drinking water sources – including Denver’s – are threatened by wildfires.      

“Look, the state is already coping with wildfires, and it’s not even May yet.  It could be another hot, dry summer.  If we’re going to outlast another difficult summer, we’re going to need to provide our wildland fire fighters with every tool in the toolbox.”

The bill now awaits final action from the governor.

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Scanlan Leads Charge to Abate Leadville Mine Disaster

DENVER – “We took a big step toward identifying a lasting solution to the issues created by the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel mine pool back-up,” said State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Silverthorne).  Those remarks came after House Bill 1396, calling for a conclusive investigation of whether the Canterbury tunnel is contributing to an increase in the toxic buildup of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT), passed the House 64 to 1.   

The bill was introduced over concern that the danger posed by a potential blowout of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT) may be compounded by water buildup in adjoining mine tunnels.  Drainage from one tunnel into the other could also endanger the Arkansas River’s aquatic ecosystems in the event of a blowout.  Recognizing that stark reality, a bill sponsored by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers that addresses the problem passed the House Health & Human Services Committee unanimously.

“We need to deal proactively with this issue, because the water buildup presents us with a multi-faceted problem,” said Rep. Scanlan.  “If we don’t figure out what’s contributing to the problem, we can’t determine what lasting fix is needed, and it only complicates the problem.”

The proposed legislation would use money from the Hazardous Substance Response Fund to determine whether there is a significant hydrological connection between the LMDT and the Canterbury tunnels.  The analysis would also establish whether drilling or reopening the Canterbury Tunnel would relieve pressure in the LMDT, if the current pumping operation being carried out by the EPA proves unsuccessful.

-- Posted by staff

Lawmakers Team Up to Take on Looming Leadville Mine Disaster

DENVER – The danger posed by a potential blowout of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT) may be compounded by water buildup in adjoining mine tunnels.  Drainage from one tunnel into the other could also endanger the Arkansas River’s aquatic ecosystems in the event of a blowout.  Recognizing that stark reality, a bill sponsored by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers that addresses the problem passed the House Health & Human Services Committee unanimously.

House Bill 1396, sponsored by State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) and State Senators Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Tom Wiens (R-Castle Rock) calls for a complete and exhaustive investigation determining whether the Canterbury tunnel in Leadville is contributing to an increase in the toxic buildup of the LMDT. 

“We know there’s a problem; there’s no need to argue about that anymore,” said Rep. Scanlan.  “Now it’s up to us to figure out what’s contributing to the problem, and to solve it.  If we fail to think outside the box about this complex issue, we do so at our own peril.”

The proposed legislation would use money from the Hazardous Substance Response Fund to verify whether there is a significant hydrological connection between the LMDT and the Canterbury tunnels.  The analysis would also establish whether drilling or reopening the Canterbury Tunnel would relieve pressure in the LMDT, if the current pumping operation being carried out by the EPA proves unsuccessful.

“I'm proud to be a part of this bi-partisan legislation," said Gibbs. "This problem needs a quick solution so that we can put it behind us and move forward both for the people of Leadville and Colorado."

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Madden Safeguards Conservation Easements from Fraud and Abuse

DENVER — House Majority Leader Alice Madden’s House Bill 1353 – which would add an extra layer of accountability for state conservation easement tax credit program – passed the House today with a broad, bi-partisan vote of 58 to 5.  The bill was drafted in response to complaints about a handful of people who defrauded taxpayers through inflated appraisals and by chopping land into multiple parcels.

The bill creates an oversight commission and certification process to ensure the legitimacy of conservation easements.  The bill also gives the Department of Revenue the authority to review tax credits being audited by the IRS, providing the state with a tool to recover credits wrongfully obtained through inflated appraisals.  To date, the program has helped Coloradans conserve1.5 million acres in open space and historic farms and ranches. Additionally, it helps free those who obtained tax credit legitimately who have been caught up in the IRS’s overly broad net.

“This bill creates the right tools to eliminate abuse and fraud,” said Rep. Madden.  “With these added protections, more Coloradans will have the opportunity to enjoy protected landscapes across the state for generations to come.”

The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is being carried by State Senator Jim Isgar (D-Hesperus).

--Posted by staff

NoCo Legislators Mining Watchdog Champions

Legislators vow to keep fighting for health of Colorado communities

DENVER – State Representatives John Kefalas and Randy Fischer, both Fort Collins Democrats, continued to demonstrate they are true champions for Colorado communities affected by mining.  The House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee heard a bill today that would have increased transparency and made the state a stronger watchdog over hard rock mining operations and prospecting, and protected against risks to public health, wildlife and the environment.     

“These mines, particularly those that use in situ leach methods, can be extremely detrimental if they’re not vigorously watched,” said Rep. Kefalas.  “The public has a right to know what is happening in their communities.” 

House Bill 1165, which was carried by the two Northern Colorado Legislators, was defeated by one vote because some felt it cast too wide a net by covering all forms of hard rock mineral mining.  However, legislators on both sides of the isle stood by the bill’s principle: that if watched carefully, mining operations can be both good citizens and important economic drivers.  But if left unchecked, they can present serious dangers to drinking water, livestock and communities at large.   

“I think we’ve already made tremendous progress this year, “Rep. Kefalas continued.  “But the need for more oversight still exists.  Communities and property owners have the right to know about any mining prospecting going on, particularly when they are directly impacted.  We will be back next year.” 

Rep. Fischer echoed those words, saying “[a]s a legislature, we have a responsibility to defend citizens’ rights to know about mining activities being conducted or planned in their communities.  I am committed to continuing work on this important public policy about transparency and open records.” 

Kefalas and Fischer already passed one bill protecting Colorado from harmful mining practices.  House Bill 1161, which passed the House earlier this week with a sweeping, bi-partisan vote of 49 to 16, would prevent irresponsible uranium mining practices.  That bill is now awaiting Senate consideration.

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Curry Responds to Oil & Gas Proposal

(DENVER) -  The Colorado Department of Natural Resources today proposed new ways to address Colorado’s oil and gas development.  In response, State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison) released the following statement:

"Today's announcement on how we will manage the oil and gas drilling boom balances protection of the environment, wildlife and public health with energy development.  Today, we have a clear and practical plan to put common sense protections in place."

-- Posted by staff

Reps Kefalas and Fischer Defend Northern Colorado's Drinking Water from Radioactive Pollution

DENVER – State Representatives John Kefalas and Randy Fischer, both Fort Collins Democrats, passed a key bill through the House with broad, bi-partisan support.  House Bill 1161, which passed 49 to 16, would prevent irresponsible uranium mining practices. 

“This bill ensures uranium mining companies protect our most vital natural resource – our fresh water – and keep our communities safe from radioactive pollution.  We cannot allow these companies to leave behind a toxic legacy.” 

The proposal defends Colorado’s ground water from radioactive and heavy metal pollution released during a process called in-situ leach uranium mining, which uses a method of high-pressure water injection to extract uranium from the earth. 

The bill requires that before the state issues an in situ uranium mining permit, companies demonstrate they will reclaim and restore ground water aquifers to their pre-mining quality, or to meet existing state standards.  It also directs mining operations to notify all landowners within the vicinity about the permit application, and to establish that the company has a strong record of protecting and reclaiming nearby ground water during previous mining operations. 

Alluding to the plans of Powertech – a mining company who wants to begin in situ leach uranium mining in northern Colorado – Rep. Fischer said, “there is some urgency to address this matter now because both the water and the people in Northern Colorado may be affected.  We’ve achieved a balance with this bill where we protect our local communities and promote healthy business development.”

Rep. Kefalas put it simply: “The long-term human and economic health of our communities requires us to act now.” 

The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is being carried by State Senators Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) and Steve Johnson (R-Fort Collins).

-- Posted by staff

NoCo Legislators Strengthen Mining Standards

Bill protects Colorado’s drinking water from uranium mining pollution

DENVER – Two Northern Colorado legislators successfully moved a key bill through the House on an initial voice vote today to protect Colorado’s ground water from radioactive pollution and to prevent irresponsible uranium mining practices.  The bill took on particular urgency in lieu of the salmonella contamination currently devastating Alamosa’s drinking water supply.

State Representatives John Kefalas and Randy Fischer, both Fort Collins Democrats brought together a wide range of stakeholders and experts to craft House Bill 1161, protecting Colorado’s most vital natural resource – its fresh water sources – and promoting good business practices by uranium mines.

“This bill ensures uranium mining doesn’t leave behind a toxic legacy,” said Rep. Kefalas.  “By encouraging responsible mining practices now, we’ll protect our drinking water, our communities and our public health well into the future.”

The bill defends Colorado’s ground water from radioactive and heavy metal pollution released during a process called in-situ leach uranium mining.  The bill directs mining companies to show they will reclaim and restore ground water aquifers to their pre-mining quality or to meet existing state standards.  It also requires mining operations to notify all land owners within the vicinity about the proposed permit, and to demonstrate that the operation has been a “good neighbor” in the past, protecting nearby ground water.

Rep. Bernie Buescher on the decision of the Bureau of Land Management not to allow phased leasing for drilling on the Roan Plateau:

"I am disappointed with the Bureau of Land Management’s decision.  I believe the Governor’s plan is a more appropriate compromise for drilling on the Roan Plateau.   

The phased leasing plan Governor Ritter called for would drive sustained economic development over many years, and protect one of Colorado’s most special places.  It’s a good compromise that helps meet our continuing energy needs while preserving the quality of habitat on the Roan for wildlife and recreation.      

The Western Slope has been hurt by boom-and-bust cycles in the past.  The BLM’s decision yesterday shows little creativity or sensitivity toward Colorado’s local economies and open spaces.  It’s now up to our Congressional delegation to help pass legislation that will maintain one of our most cherished resources."

-- Posted on behalf of Rep. Bernie Buescher