H_HIE_2018A 01/25/2018 01:36:02 PM Committee Summary

Bryan Jameson, Policy Analyst, Department of Regulatory Agency (DORA), came to the table to talk about the DORA's recommendations on the Weather Modification Act.  DORA's report and draft bill were distributed [Attachments B and C] to the committee. 

Mr. Jameson reviewed DORA's report and responded to questions from the committee regarding cloud seeding methods, operation locations around the state, environmental impact, and permits.

Mr. Jameson  explained DORA's first recommendation to continue the Weather Modification Act for 15 years.  He explained that the regulatory program established under the Act protects the public health, safety, and welfare of the public by controlling where, who, and when, weather modification operations take place. 

Mr. Jameson discussed DORA's second recommendation to repeal the provision which prohibits weather modification unless there is a quid pro quo.  He explained the reasoning behind this reccomendation.

Mr. Jameson responded to questions about DORA's report and the two recommendations.

Ken Curtis, representing Dolores Water Conservancy, testified in support of DORA's recommendation to continue the program.

Mr. Curtis responded to questions regarding water supply in Southwest Colorado and the machinery used in weather modification operations.

Frank Kugel, representing Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, testified in support of DORA's recommendation to continue the program.

Mr. Kugel responded to questions from the committee regarding program length, other state's monetary contribution to the program, pollution impact on water from cloud seeding, total cost of these programs around the state, and the time of year cloud seeding takes place.

Joe Busto, representing the Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of DORA's recommendation to continue the program.

Mr. Busto responded to questions from the committee concerning water distribution, and the actual amount of water being created.  He also provided answers to questions asked earlier in the meeting. 

Representatives Ginal and Ransom requested to be prime sponsors of the bill.

Bryan Jameson returned to the table to explain DORA's recommendation for the sunset of the Consumer Insurance Council (CIC).  DORA's report and the draft bill were distributed [Attachments D and E] to the committee. 

Mr. Jameson explained that the CIC has not fulfilled its statutory mandates and has not presented any formal recommendations to the Commissioner or awarded the annual consumer's choice award and, therefore, the General Assembly should sunset the CIC. 

Debora Judy, representing Consumer Insurance Council, testified against DORA's recommendation.  Handouts were distributed to the committee [Attachments F and G].

John Ezzo, representing himself, testified against DORA's recommendation. 

Carol Pace, representing AARP, distributed documents [Attachments H and I] and testified against DORA's recommendation.

Ms. Pace responded to questions concerning the start date of the CIC, CIC membership, membership appointments and applications for membership.

Bethany Pray, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified against DORA's recommendation.

Ms. Pray responded to questions from the committee concerning CIC's influence, and the need for an official state council.

Representative Ginal recessed the committee.

Representative Ginal called the committee back to order. 

Rep Kennedy explained his amendment No. 1 [AttachmentJ]. This amendment repeals the repeal and continues the council, as well as, ends the mandate to present an award.

Representative Kennedy requested to be prime sponsor of the bill.