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se_scee_2018a_2018-04-26t11:37:54z0 Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For UPDATE ON COLORADO MINING ISSUES -- STAN DEMPSEY, JR., PRESIDENT, COLORADO MINING ASSOCIATION.

SELECT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Date Apr 26, 2018      
Location SCR 352



Update on Colorado Mining Issues -- Stan Dempsey, Jr., President, Colorado Mining Association. - Committee Discussion Only


11:38:56 AM  

Stan Dempsey Jr., President, Colorado Mining Association, distributed a handout that identifies major mines in Colorado and shows Colorado's ranking for mineral production compared to other states [Attachment A] and discussed the history and role of the Colorado Mining Association. He also discussed the importance of mining to Colorado's economy and identified recent mine safety and mine reclamation awards issued for Colorado Mines. He identified minerals mined in Colorado including coal, nahcolite, gold, molybendum, and discussed uses for these minerals in the construction and manufacturing sector. He explained that mining jobs pay above average salaries and he identified taxes collected on mineral production including the severance tax [Attachment B].

11:47:51 AM  

Mr. Dempsey explained how the federal regulatory environment has changed under the Trump administration and how these changes have benefitted the mining industry including coal production. He identified regulations from the prior administration that have been discontinued including a regulation concerning financial assurance requirements for mines and the Clean Power Plan that would have restricted carbon emission from power plants.

11:53:00 AM  

Mr. Dempsey discussed recent federal regulatory permit reviews for proposed mine expansions including the approval of West Elk Lease Expansion and Colorado Roadless Rule. He also discussed the effect of House Bill 10-1365 on coal mines and coal fired power plants in Colorado and identified increases in coal production in 2017 due in part to increased coal exports.

11:57:04 AM  

Mr. Dempsey discussed campaign pledges for candidates for the Colorado Governor concerning renewable energy and expressed concern about the potential impact of these policies on Colorado's mining industry and electric ratepayers.  He also discussed policy recommendations of the Colorado Mining Association including support for Congressional action to enact “Good Samaritan” Legislation encouraging cleanup of legacy mining sites. He also expressed concern about legislation that picks winners and losers in mining and energy policy disputes.






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