J_WRARC_2023A 09/12/2023 09:07:39 AM Committee Summary

Ms. Perrin gave an overviw of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). She discussed the various federal pesticide laws, the registration of pesticides, pesticide labels, communication and outreach, and regulation implementation. She told the committee about the role of FIFRA, the responsibility of the EPA, and the responsibility of states.    

Peter Wadden, Town of Vail Environmental Sustainability Department, introduced his presentation.  He spoke about the challenges the City of Vail is having with water quality in Gore Creek.

Mayor Pro Tem Trout continued to speak about pesticide-free projects that are running in Golden, why she is advocating for local control of pesticides, and how she is not asking for a full ban on pesticides. She told the committee about her desire for new regulations around notifications of pesticide spraying and additional protections around Clear Creek.

Mayor Joan Peck, City of Longmont, introduced herself. She told the committee about her desire to implement local control of pesticides after her experiences with pesticides that have caused health problems.

Mayor Pro Tem Trout answered questions about the pesticide-free pilot projects in Golden and the current pesticide spraying notification process.

Mayor Peck answered a question about whether Longmont is looking at pesticide-free projects and how they use goats to manage weeds.

Mr. Wadden answered questions about chemicals in Gore Creek.  

Ryan Riley, Colorado Pest Control Association, introduced himself and told the committee how local control of pesticides could increase the costs of running his pesticide application business.  

Glenda Mostke, Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association, introduced herself and told the committee about how pesticide applicators would be impacted by local control of pesticides.

The panelists responded to questions about potentially excluding agricultural land or property from local control of pesticides, the health of waterways and pollinators, the application of pesticides, and the impacts of pesticides in general.

The panelists continued to answer questions about regulating pesticides and following existing rules.

Commissioner Terry Hofmeister, Phillips County, introduced himself and spoke about his support to keep the regulations of pesticides as they currently are.

Lisa Blecker, Colorado State University, introduced herself and her presentation. She told the committee about her role in pesticide safety education, what makes up a pesticide, FIFRA, and the impacts of local control of pesticides. She also discussed the sunset review process of the Pesticide Applicator's Act.

Ms. Blecker answered questions about the risks versus benefits of pesticides.

Ms. Blecker continued to answer questions about local control and addressing community concerns.

Ashley House, Colorado Farm Bureau, introduced herself and told the committee about the role of the Farm Bureau in Colorado. She gave background about livestock and antibiotics and the new Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

Zach Riley, Colorado Livestock Association, told the committee about his discussions with producers and veterinarians regarding the new rules.

The panelists answered questions about whether there is something Colorado could do to address the challenges with the rule.

The panelists answered questions about the role of the Colorado Department of Agriculture in this issue.

Mr. Rein answered questions about the process of abandoning of water rights.  

John Cyran, Western Resource Advocates, introduced himself and informed the committee he would be available for questions.

Kate Ryan, Colorado Water Trust, introduced herself and told the committee about her organization's role in promoting water conservation across the state.  She discussed consumptive use and obstacles associated with shifting water to different beneficial uses.  

Mr. Cyran told the committee about the existing conservation efforts that exist in the different water divisions across the state. He discussed possible new conservation efforts that could be done in the state to aide water right holders.

Ashley House, Colorado Farm Bureau, spoke about the recent Arizona legislation that has been brought on the topic. She told the committee that this idea could benefit or not benefit individual water rights holders and suggested that any program to be voluntary, temporary, and compensated.

Jim Yahn, North Sterling Irrigation District, introduced himself and discussed the variety of aspects that go into water right abandonment and conservation efforts. He spoke about historical consumptive use and non-consumptive use.

The panelists answered questions about return flows and impacts on downstream users or junior water right holders, how conservation impacts consumptive use, and the need for flexibility in a conservation type program that could be created.

Jeff Davis, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, introduced himself and discussed his background and his role in reintroducing gray wolves to Colorado.

The panelists continued to answer questions about the timeline for reintroducing wolves, where Colorado will get wolves from, and the possibility of not having wolves before the end of the year.  

The panelists answered questions about the Animas-La Plata Project, the federal decision that recently impacted the Navajo Nation, the affect of having Lorelai Cloud on the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and how the state can include tribal voices.

Mrs. Ali Mickelson, representing ASPCA, testified.

Sarah Lozano, Office of Legislative Legal Services, gave an overview of the bill drafting process.