4101DB60C2A473E9872583D8006B6985 Hearing Summary

Representative Galindo and Speaker Becker introduced House Bill 19-1314. The bill creates the Just Transition Office to provide worker benefits, award grants, and receive utility reports related to coal plant retirement.

Bonnie Petersen, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified on the bill remotely from Grand Junction.

Sue Hansen, Montrose County Commissioner, testified on the bill remotely from Montrose.

Dianna Orf, Colorado Mining Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Richard Orf, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified on the bill.

Ms. Hardin, Ms. Orf, and Mr. Orf responded to questions from the committee.

Marie Venner, Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, testified in support of the bill.

Anna McDevitt, Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill.

Katie Belgard, Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Belgard also submitted testimony on behalf of Sam Gilchrist, Natural Resources Defense Council (Attachment A).

Carl Smith, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers, testified in support of the bill.

Jacob Smith, Colorado Communities for Climate Action, testified in support of the bill.

Andy Jacob, SEIU Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Rich Meisinger, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 111, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Meisinger also expressed support for the bill by UA Local 208 and IBEW Local 68.

Speaker Becker discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

The bill sponsors and committee members made closing remarks on the bill.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.