S_TRA_2021A 01/21/2021 09:17:14 AM Committee Summary

Senator Winter invited Kerri Hunter and Derek Johnson, Office of the State Auditor, to present. Ms. Hunter and Mr. Johnson presented on the severance tax audit for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Ms. Hunter and Mr.Johnson, answered questions from the committee.

Mr. Johnson concluded the presentation by discussing the agencies that still need to implement audit recommendations.

Senator Winter introduced Will Toor, Director of the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), who covered topics required by the SMART Act. Director Toor discussed the department's wildly important goals and the various measures that impact those goals using a PowerPoint presentation. Director Toor talked about CEO's legislative agenda, which includes modernizing regulated gas utility efficiency programs, supporting biogas development, and offering low-income energy assistance. Director Toor also discussed the agency's regulatory agenda as well as the latest budget requests.

Director Toor responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Winter introduced Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Director Gibbs introduced Julie Murphy, Director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and Jeff Robbins, Chair of the COGCC, and mentioned that they will speak following his presentation. Director Gibbs presented on DNR's 2021 Performance Plan, the department's legislative agenda, and regulatory agenda using a PowerPoint presentation. Director Gibbs also discussed the department's efforts to serve staff while they're working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeff Robbins, Chair of the COGCC continued the presentation with an overview of the COGCC, its budget, and a 2020 rulemaking update. Julie Murphy, Director of the COGCC, continued the presentation to explain the COGCC's day to day operations and how they have been impacted by Senate Bill 19-181.These impacts include a reconstitution of some Commissioners, a new mission for the COGCC, and the creation of a new local government authority over surface impacts and sitings.

Director Gibbs, Mr.Robbins, and Director Murphy answered questions from the committee.

Senator Winter invited Patty Salazar, Executive Director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to present. Director Salazar introduced herself and  Doug Dean, Director of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Director Dean initiated the PowerPoint presentation by reviewing the PUC's mission and providing an update on the organization's modernization plan. Director Dean also presented on the PUC's organizational structure, performance plan, legislative agenda, and regulatory agenda. Director Dean highlighted the importance of the PUC for Coloradans by stating  that the PUC has saved Colorado consumers $7.02 for every $1 spent ot run the agency.

DORA and PUC staff responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Winter called Andrea Denka, a member of the non-partisan Legislative Council Staff (LCS) to the table. Ms. Denka introduced herself and her colleague, Annie Kitch, and provided an overview of their roles as LCS staff members.