H_HIE_2017A 03/28/2017 Committee Summary

11:42 AM -- HB 17-1285



Representatives Mitsch Bush and Lawrence presented House Bill 17-1285 to the committee, along with a handout (Attachment A). Under current law, the water pollution control program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is funded by a mix of General Fund and fees from regulated entities. This bill increases the fee portion of funding for these programs. Before the General Assembly adjusts the fees again, the department is required to engage in a stakeholder process to determine the adequate and appropriate fee levels, and the total funding for the state's discharge permit system. The bill establishes goals for the ratio of fee revenue to General Fund revenue for each sector of the program.



170328 AttachA.pdf



For FY 2017-18, the bill appropriates a total of $1,208,007 to the CDPHE. Of this amount, $433,042 is from the General Fund, and $774,965 is from multiple cash funds within the department.





11:44 AM -- Michael Nicoletti, representing CDPHE, testified in support of the bill.



11:48 AM -- Nicole Rowan, representing CDPHE, appeared to answer committee questions but the committee members did not have any questions.



11:49 AM -- Jim Cole, representing Colorado Oil & Gas Association, testified in support of the bill.









11:51 AM -- Morgan Cullen, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.



11:51 AM -- Dianna Orf, representing Colorado Mining Association and the Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill.



11:52 AM -- Bill Skewes, representing the Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry, testified in support of the bill.



11:56 AM



Representatives Mitsch Bush and Lawrence wrapped up their presentation to the committee.

11:58 AM



The meeting adjourned.