Date: 04/07/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-242

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved to Postpone Indefinitely Senate Bill 09-242
Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-242 to the Committee		PASS
FAIL



03:35 PM

The committee recessed.


03:36 PM -- Senate Bill 09-242

The committee returned to order. Representative Looper, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 09-242, concerning Colorado membership in the Energy Council. Representative Looper provided background on Colorado's participation in the Energy Council, and the need for the bill. Representative Looper responded to questions regarding appropriations for participation in the Energy Council in future years. Representative Looper explained the membership of Colorado's delegation to the Energy Council. Representative Looper responded to questions regarding the functions of the council, and the dues assessed member states for participation on the council.


03:47 PM

Representative Looper responded to questions regarding how expenses are covered for participation in the Energy Council, and the current balance in the Oil and Gas Environmental Response Fund. Discussion ensued regarding the purposes for which fund moneys are dedicated. Discussion returned to the make-up of Colorado's delegation to the Energy Council. Discussion followed regarding the fiscal impact of Senate Bill 09-242. Representative Looper explained the reasons for structuring appointments to the council as they are under the bill. Representative Looper responded to questions regarding the nature of the Energy Council.


03:58 PM

Discussion ensued regarding the Energy Council's work in the area of renewable energy, and the appropriateness of funding membership in the council considering the current budget shortfall. Representative Looper responded to questions regarding the use of member state dues by the Energy Council. Discussion returned to the use of moneys in the Oil and Gas Environmental Response Fund.


04:08 PM

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for the Joint Budget Committee to transfer Oil and Gas Environmental Respond Fund moneys to the General Fund.


04:10 PM

The following person testified regarding Senate Bill 09-242:


04:10 PM -- Mr. Jim Cole, representing the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Cole provided history on the Oil and Gas Environmental Response Fund and funding for Energy Council participation, and discussed reserve requirements for the fund. Mr. Cole also discussed the Energy Council's efforts in the area of renewable energy, and the benefits of Colorado's participation in the council. Mr. Cole responded to questions regarding the impact of restricting legislator travel due to the budget shortfall on Colorado's participation in the Energy Council. Discussion ensued regarding Colorado's participation in other multi-state organizations during fiscal year 2009-10. Discussion returned to the Energy Council's focus on fossil fuels.


BILL:SB09-242
TIME: 04:19:23 PM
MOVED:Massey
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-242 to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation. The motion failed on a 4-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Murray
VOTE
Casso
No
Court
No
Hullinghorst
No
Lambert
Yes
Massey
Yes
McCann
Excused
Miklosi
No
Murray
Yes
Nikkel
Yes
Labuda
Excused
Todd
No
Not Final YES: 4 NO: 5 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:SB09-242
TIME: 04:20:49 PM
MOVED:Hullinghorst
MOTION:Moved to Postpone Indefinitely Senate Bill 09-242. The motion passed on a 5-4-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Todd
VOTE
Casso
Yes
Court
Yes
Hullinghorst
Yes
Lambert
No
Massey
No
McCann
Excused
Miklosi
Yes
Murray
No
Nikkel
No
Labuda
Excused
Todd
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 4 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS




04:21 PM

The committee adjourned.