H_ALW_2022A 04/11/2022 01:33:42 PM Committee Summary

Dr. Newton discussed greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain from various types of agricultural products and the environmental impact of local food systems.

Dr. Newton told the committee about the environmental impacts of organic agriculture and the benefits and trade-offs of practicing organic farming.

Dr. Newton spoke about genetically engineered crops and how these can increase yields and decrease insecticide use and increase farmer profits.

Dr. Newton continued to respond to questions.

Ms. Blecker spoke about her background and qualifications on the topic.

Ms. Blecker gave the committee the definition of IPM and spoke how IPM is used and implemented.

Ms. Blecker told the committee about the guiding principles of IPM and the different stages of prevention and intervention.

Ms. Blecker discussed CSU Extension's approach to IPM recommendations and how pesticides fit into an IPM program.

Ms. Blecker told the committee about the mission and values of CSU's IPM Center and how they work to educate about pesticide use and management.

Ms. Blecker responded to questions about pesticide education.

Ms. Blecker answered a question from the committee about biological control and how it has evolved.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee came back to order.

Representative Roberts, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced SB22-114. The bill allows a board of county commissioners to apply to the State Engineer in the Division of Water Resources in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the designation of a pond within the county as a fire suppression pond. Fire suppression ponds must be inspected annually by the county and fire protection district.

Representative Catlin, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Joan Green Turner, representing The Water Rights Association of the South Platte, testified to amend the bill. Tracy Kosloff, representing Division of Water Resources, testified in a neutral position on the bill. The panelists answered questions from the committee.

Questions for the previous panel continued.

Commissioner Greg Felt, representing Chaffee County, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Kathy Kitzmann, representing Aurora Water, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Ralph Scanga, representing Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, testified against the bill. Peggy Montano, representing Northern Water, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Roberts introduced and spoke about amendment L.011 (Attachment C).

Representative Catlin and Representative Roberts gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee came back to order.

Representative Will, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

Alice Horgan, representing DNR, testified in support of the bill. Dianna Orf, representing Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill. The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Representative McCormick and Representative Will gave final comments on the bill.