Date: 01/16/2006

Final
Asbestos Control Program Sunset Hearing

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Amend draft bill (Attachment A), page 4, lines 10
Recommend the draft bill, as amended, for introduc		Pass Without Objection
PASS


02:25 PM -- Colorado Asbestos Control Act Sunset Hearing

Brian Tobias and Julie Kreps, Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), came to the table to present the department's sunset review of the Colorado Asbestos Control Act. Mr. Tobias discussed criteria used to evaluate programs under review. Balancing public safety with least restrictive regulations is the primary goal. Ms. Kreps discussed the Asbestos Control Program. Asbestos is highly useful for its heat and fire resistance. When it becomes airborne, however, it causes very serious health problems. A variety of professionals evaluate construction projects, conduct abatements, and determine the safety level of completed projects. The program's permitting processes include trigger levels for the program's requirements. She answered questions about different types of asbestos and corresponding levels of regulation. Copies of a draft bill were distributed to members (Attachment A). She reviewed proposed programmatic changes, including continuing the program until 2013, imposing conflict of interest prohibitions, and repealing a number of obsolete provisions. Mr. Tobias answered questions about the department's administrative recommendations. Such recommendations are not typically included in sunset bills.


02:44 PM

Howard Roitman and Dr. Ned Calonge, Department of Public Health and Environment (DPHE), came to the table to testify. Mr. Roitman stated the department's support for DORA's recommendations. Dr. Calonge discussed the health effects of the two different types of asbestos. The mineral can increase individual risk for cancer up to 45 times. He stated the longer the asbestos fiber, the worse the health effects. At this time, however, general opinion is that the different types of asbestos should not be regulated differently. Based upon the department's research, none of the 50 states regulates different types of asbestos differently. Representative Lundberg discussed his findings regarding construction businesses' opinion of the asbestos program and the different types of asbestos and their health risks. Dr. Calonge stated that although there are differences of opinion within the scientific community, the majority opinion holds that there is no compelling evidence at this time to regulate the two types of asbestos differently.


03:00 PM

David Ouimette, Stationary Sources Program, DPHE, answered questions about DORA's recommendations, including ensuring consistency among soil and air quality standards and providing testing and training in Spanish.

The following member of the public testified.

03:05 PM -- Robert Szynskie, RLM, Engineering, discussed Spanish language training and suggested a five-year sunset date.


03:11 PM

Representative Lundberg discussed his wishes for "due diligence" on the part of DPHE to carry out the asbestos program to best of their ability.
BILL:Asbestos Control Program Sunset Hearing
TIME: 03:11:05 PM
MOVED:McGihon
MOTION:Amend draft bill (Attachment A), page 4, lines 10 and 11, replace "one-, three-, or five-year period established by the commission by rule" with "period not to exceed five years". Make conforming amendments throughout the bill. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Weissmann
VOTE
Berens
Clapp
Excused
Cloer
Green
Lundberg
McGihon
Riesberg
Soper
Stafford
Sullivan
Weissmann
Frangas
Boyd
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection
BILL:Asbestos Control Program Sunset Hearing
TIME: 03:13:18 PM
MOVED:McGihon
MOTION:Recommend the draft bill, as amended, for introduction. The motion passed 9-2-2.
SECONDED:Frangas
VOTE
Berens
Yes
Clapp
Excused
Cloer
Excused
Green
Yes
Lundberg
No
McGihon
Yes
Riesberg
Yes
Soper
Yes
Stafford
Yes
Sullivan
No
Weissmann
Yes
Frangas
Yes
Boyd
Yes
Final YES: 9 NO: 2 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



03:14 PM

Representative McGihon was assigned sponsorship of the bill.