House Committee on Transportation & Energy (03/01/2006)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION & ENERGY

Date:	03/01/2006	ATTENDANCE

Time:	01:43 PM to 03:22 PM	Borodkin	X
		Green	E
Place:	HCR 0112	Hefley	*
		Knoedler	X
This Meeting was called to order by		Larson	*
	Representative Pommer	Lindstrom	X
		Ragsdale	X
This Report was prepared by		Sullivan	X
	Jamila Rockette	Welker	X
		McFadyen	X
		Pommer	X
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
HB06-1317 SB06-100 SB06-028 SB06-080		Referred to the Committee of the Whole Referred to Appropriations Referred to Appropriations Amended, Referred to Appropriations

01:44 PM -- House Bill 06-1317

Representative Madden, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 06-1317 which directs the Colorado Energy Research Institute (CERI) and the Energy and Environmental Security Initiative (EESI) at the School of Law of the University of Colorado (CU) to annually create a Colorado energy profile containing up-to-date statistical energy information relating to Colorado, along with projections of how the profile will change over time. Representative Madden deferred answering questions for the committee so that Dr. John Trefny could have time to testify.

01:45 PM

Dr. John Trefny, President of the Colorado School of Mines, spoke in support of the bill. Dr. Trefny discussed the role, purpose, and functions of CERI. Responding to questions from the committee Dr. Trefny stated that the study would include research on nuclear and hydroelectric energy. He further stated that the research would most likely include all sources of energy that the state currently uses or could potentially use.

01:51 PM

Lakshman Guruswamy, Director of the EESI and representing CU's School of Law, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Guruswamy stated that any type of decision-making requires information. He stated that decision-making for energy policy at the federal Department of Energy (DOE) is conducted by the Energy Information Agency (EIA), which provides high-quality, independent, policy information to meet the requirements of government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes sound policy making, efficient government, efficient markets, and public understanding. He stated that the EIA conducts comprehensive information analysis and dissemination and described the EESI as the "lean-mean version" of the federal EIA.

He stated that while the EESI cannot do everything that the EIA does, the EESI will collect energy data relating to every source of energy in Colorado, including petroleum, coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy. The EESI will also collect information on energy prices and consumption. Mr. Guruswamy stated that some of this information is already available at the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Colorado Geological Survey, and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, but that it is scattered all over the state. He stated the EESI will bring all of this information to one central location and make it comprehensible. The EESI will also share this information with nongovernmental organizations, Colorado's Office of Energy Management and Conservation, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Responding to questions from members, Mr. Guruswamy stated that EESI will work in collaboration with CERI. He also stated that he foresees decision-makers, such as members of the legislature, business people across the country, and the public at large interested in knowing what is happening with energy in the state using the collected energy data. He also stated that EESI could conduct surveys, within the parameters of the program's budget, to find out what type of energy information interested parties would be interested in having. He stated that the EIA already conducts similar types of surveys which are both time consuming and expensive.

02:02 PM

Representative Madden resumed answering questions for the committee. Responding to questions from the committee, Representative Madden explained that the project is being conducted at CU's School of Law as opposed to the School of Mines because it was the EEIS that originally initiated the idea. She stated that EEIS and CERI saw the usefulness for having an energy profile for the state after observing its effectiveness at the federal level through the EIA. She stated that the goal is to have the information publically available (free on-line and in hard copy) so that the public, including local governments, can make better and well-informed decisions.

02:21 PM

Representative Madden concluded her remarks.


BILL:	HB06-1317
TIME:	02:22:03 PM
MOVED:	McFadyen
MOTION:	Moved to refer House Bill 06-1317 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 10-0.
SECONDED:	Borodkin
		VOTE
	Borodkin	Yes
	Green	Excused
	Hefley	Yes
	Knoedler	Yes
	Larson	Yes
	Lindstrom	Yes
	Ragsdale	Yes
	Sullivan	Yes
	Welker	Yes
	McFadyen	Yes
	Pommer	Yes
Final YES: 10 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:24 PM -- Senate Bill 06-100

Representative Pommer, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 06-100 which creates the Colorado "Kids First" license plate for motor vehicles that do not exceed 16,000 pounds. The bill authorizes the issuance of the plate to persons who pay the appropriate fees, plus a one-time fee of $25, and who have a certificate issued by the Rocky Mountain Research and Prevention Institute confirming a donation to a Health Promotion and Injury Prevention fund. The legislation further requires the fund to be used to help promote the health of and prevent injury to children and requires the fund to file a sources and uses of funds statement with the Department of Revenue (DOR). It also credits the one-time fee to the Highway Users Tax Fund.

02:25 PM

Sara L. Cooper, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill. Ms. Cooper explained that a similar bill passed in 2005 in both the House and the Senate, but was vetoed by Governor Bill Owens. She stated that Governor Owens ordered the DOR to conduct a thorough review of each of the specialty plates programs and report on the adequacy of the accountability safeguards the programs have in place. Ms. Cooper stated that supporters of the bill have met with the Governor's staff to address his concerns. She stated that the funds raised from the license plate will go to organizations and agencies that focus on promoting health and preventing injuries to Colorado's children. She said that the concept for the plate came from a successful "Kids First" plate in Indiana. She further added that since the plate's inception, the plate has raised between $1.5 to $3 million a year and gives grants to each county in Indiana. Ms. Cooper believes a Colorado "Kids First" plate will be equally successful. She stated that the plate has support from public and private entities including the public health community, the medical community, law enforcement, and first responders and will provide the needed resources to promote health and prevent injury to children.


BILL:	SB06-100
TIME:	02:32:05 PM
MOVED:	Pommer
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-100 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 10-0.
SECONDED:	Sullivan
		VOTE
	Borodkin	Yes
	Green	Excused
	Hefley	Yes
	Knoedler	Yes
	Larson	Yes
	Lindstrom	Yes
	Ragsdale	Yes
	Sullivan	Yes
	Welker	Yes
	McFadyen	Yes
	Pommer	Yes
Final YES: 10 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:36 PM -- Senate Bill 06-028

Representative Frangas, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 06-028 which creates the "Bronze Star" special license plate and authorizes a person who has received a bronze star medal to use the plate. Representative Frangas distributed information on the history of the bronze star medal (Attachment A).

02:38 PM

Warren Tellgren, President of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado (UVC), spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Tellgren stated that the UVC is a nonpartisan coalition of 47 separate veteran service organizations which represents the 465,000 veterans in the state of Colorado. He stated that the bill is a priority for the UVC and the license plate represents the distinguished contribution that the veterans who have earned the medal have given to the country.

02:42 PM

Arthur (Artie) Guerrero, representing the UVC, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Guerrero has earned a silver star, bronze star, purple heart, and other medals for his military service. Mr. Guerrero discussed different types of military medals and stated that the plate, just like the medal, represents something that has been earned.

02:48 PM

Jery Payne, Office of Legislative Legal Services, explained that "distinctive license plates," including those honoring individuals for their service in the United States military, are exempt from the requirement that the group proposing the special license plate demonstrate at least a 3,000 plate demand from the public.


BILL:	SB06-028
TIME:	02:50:42 PM
MOVED:	Knoedler
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-028 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 10-0.
SECONDED:	Hefley
		VOTE
	Borodkin	Yes
	Green	Excused
	Hefley	Yes
	Knoedler	Yes
	Larson	Yes
	Lindstrom	Yes
	Ragsdale	Yes
	Sullivan	Yes
	Welker	Yes
	McFadyen	Yes
	Pommer	Yes
Final YES: 10 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:53 PM -- Senate Bill 06-080

Representatives Soper and Hefley, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 06-080 which creates a "Support the Troops" special license plate. The bill authorizes the issuance of the plate to individuals who pay the appropriate fees, plus a one-time-fee of $25. The bill prohibits the renewal of the plate if at least 3,000 plates are not issued by July 1, 2009.

02:57 PM

Warren Tellgren, President of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado (UVC), spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Tellgren stated that the "Support the Troops" license plate is another priority goal for the UVC. He stated that Colorado is a patriotic state and that the plate will have considerable support.

02:59 PM

Debbie Quakenbush, Founder of American Military Family (AMF) and sister of a veteran, spoke in support of the bill. Ms. Quakenbush explained the role and function of AMF. She stated that the bill represents more than just money, the bill recognizes individuals who are serving our country. She added that it is not only a message to the military family, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to do things for people who do not ask. She said that it is a privilege and honor for a nonprofit to delegate funds to military families. Ms. Quakenbush stated AMF uses the money to take families out to a nice meal or help pay a family's bills or utilities. She said that the money is not charity, it's an expression of appreciation. Responding to questions from the committee, Ms. Quakenbush explained how the AMF coordinates its projects with Family Assistance Centers (FACs).

Representative Soper added that the license plate acknowledges all parts of the military and all individuals who have served or are currently serving.

03:05 PM

Tom Tarver, representing himself, initiated the idea of the "Support the Troops" license plate and spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Tarver stated that he regretfully never served in the military and that this is his way of giving something back to those who have given so much to our country. He added that it is important for Colorado to demonstrate its support for individuals serving in the military. Responding to questions from members, Mr. Tarver stated that the yellow ribbon displayed on the license plate does not infringe on intellectual property rights and is a universal symbol.

03:10 PM

Wayne Thompson Jr., a Korean war veteran and veteran's advocate, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Thompson thanked the armed services for their service. Mr.Thompson stated that all 47 members of the UVC support the bill and that there is not enough that can be done for the individuals who serve in the armed services.

03:15 PM

Representative Hefley explained amendments L.007, L.008, and L.010 (Attachments B, C, and D respectively).


BILL:	SB06-080
TIME:	03:16:41 PM
MOVED:	Hefley
MOTION:	Moved amendment L.007 (Attachment B). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Sullivan
		VOTE
	Borodkin
	Green	Excused
	Hefley
	Knoedler
	Larson
	Lindstrom
	Ragsdale
	Sullivan
	Welker
	McFadyen
	Pommer
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	SB06-080
TIME:	03:15:42 PM
MOVED:	Hefley
MOTION:	Moved amendment L.008 (Attachment C). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Sullivan
		VOTE
	Borodkin
	Green	Excused
	Hefley
	Knoedler
	Larson
	Lindstrom
	Ragsdale
	Sullivan
	Welker
	McFadyen
	Pommer
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	SB06-080
TIME:	03:16:27 PM
MOVED:	Hefley
MOTION:	Moved amendment L.010 (Attachment D). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Sullivan
		VOTE
	Borodkin
	Green	Excused
	Hefley
	Knoedler
	Larson
	Lindstrom
	Ragsdale
	Sullivan
	Welker
	McFadyen
	Pommer
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

03:19 PM

Representatives Soper and Hefley gave their closing remarks.


BILL:	SB06-080
TIME:	03:21:11 PM
MOVED:	Hefley
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-080, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 10-0.
SECONDED:	Sullivan
		VOTE
	Borodkin	Yes
	Green	Excused
	Hefley	Yes
	Knoedler	Yes
	Larson	Yes
	Lindstrom	Yes
	Ragsdale	Yes
	Sullivan	Yes
	Welker	Yes
	McFadyen	Yes
	Pommer	Yes
Final YES: 10 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

03:22 PM

The committee adjourned.