Colorado House Democrats

Wildfire Interim Committee To Convene August 5 & 6

Committee will explore how to keep growing mountain communities safe 
  
DENVER – Today, State Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) announced that a committee tasked with developing proposals to help control the spread of wildfires will convene Tuesday, August 5.   The Interim Committee on Wildfire Issues in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas will meet at the capitol from 1p.m. to 5p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, and all day on Wednesday, August 6.

The committee will work over the coming weeks and months to develop strategies to cope with what firefighters and city planners call the “wildland-urban interface,” where new communities move into previously uninhabited areas that are vulnerable to fires.  The committee is timely, as several years’ drought and the mounting bark beetle epidemic, coupled with growth across the state, have made for explosive conditions.  

“Unfortunately, the likelihood that fire will encroach on our mountain and rural communities increases as those communities boom,” said Sen. Gibbs, the committee chairman. “As the state – and in particular, our mountain communities – continue to grow, we need to provide firefighting personnel with new resources and strategies so they can effectively continue protect Colorado.”  

“Historically, we’ve been successful in handling wildfires in remote areas,” said Rep. Scanlan, vice chairwoman of the committee.  “That’s because we had the appropriate fire suppression policies in place and were able to deploy firefighting forces over large areas of uninhabited land.  But the calculus is changing.  Wildfires are a growing threat to growing communities.  So we must become more creative in our methods.”

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Lawmaker Responds To Colorado State University's Announcement That It Will Create A New School Of Environmental Sustainability

DENVER – State Representative Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins) released the following statement regarding Colorado State University’s announcement that it will create a School of Global Environmental Sustainability:

“Colorado State University has always been a national leader in preparing students for careers in environmental sustainability. I applaud the announcement that they will be educating future green pioneers at this groundbreaking school.

“In a time when this country - and even the world - is searching for new energy resources and answers to environmental challenges, CSU is once again rising to the challenge and ensuring that graduates will be leaders in the Green Economic Revolution.”

Colorado State University's main campus is in Rep. Fischer’s district.

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Lawmakers Ask Congress To Block Army Land Acquisition In Pinon Canyon

PUEBLO – State Representative Buffie McFadyen (D-Pueblo) wrote a letter to U.S. Senators Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard encouraging them to continue the ban essentially prohibiting any expansion of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado.   The request to uphold the existing moratorium on expansion comes in response to the Army’s announcement that it will continue to pursue plans to acquire land in the area for “live fire” and other training exercises.  

In a letter to Senators Salazar and Allard, Rep. McFadyen sited how important the farmland pegged for army takeover is to the Colorado economy, and how expansion of the maneuver site could erode private property values, damaging the livelihood of many Coloradans.

State Representative Wes McKinley (D-Walsh) – a longtime critic of the Army’s expansion plans in the area – joined Rep. McFadyen in signaling his support for Congressional action to block any additional land acquisition in Piñon Canyon.

“What the Army announced is just another way of bullying landowners into giving up their land.  Any expansion of Army lands – even if it’s from willing sellers – will hurt landowners by diminishing property values in the area," said Rep. McKinley.  "All the Army did was to announce it was closing the front door, and hope that people didn't realize the back gate is still wide open.  Well, we did.  And we’re asking Congress to shut that, too.”  

Excerpts from Rep. McFadyen's letter appear below:

Dear Senator,

Please work to restore the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site Expansion funding ban. Please ensure that no funds appropriated or otherwise made available may be used for any action that promotes expansion of the current boundaries of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in Southeastern Colorado.  Please also vote to defeat Senator Wayne Allard’s legislation authorizing buying property (with or without eminent domain) for the expansion of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado.

Wes McKinley Denounces Plans To Add 100,000 Acres At Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site

WALSH – State Representative Wes McKinley released the following statement regarding the army’s request to add 100,000 acres to a military training area found in Piñon Canyon:  

“I am completely opposed to the Army’s taking away of our land, whether it is for one acre or 400,000 acres in Piñon Canyon,” said Rep. Wes McKinley (D-Walsh). “Our way of life is at stake here, not just our land. Although the Army says 100,000 acres is enough for now, what happens in 15 years when they want another 300,000 acres? As it did when the training site was established in the 1980s, the Army is using brute force to get what they want. They will not be bettering our community. Instead, they are bullying landowners into giving up their land. If we allow the Army to proceed (which we will not do), their hostile taking will injure our wildlife, pollute our land, and forcefully take-away the livelihood of fellow Coloradans.”

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Madden Touts Colorado's New Energy Economy At National Conference

NEW ORLEANS – Colorado House Majority Leader Alice Madden will address Colorado’s investment in the New Energy Economy and how those investments are transforming the state’s economy at a national conference next Monday.  She will join David Sirota, the columnist and New York Times bestselling author of “The Uprising,” and Jim Hightower, a former Texas Agriculture Commissioner and national radio commentator, as well as lawmakers from across the country.  

“Colorado is a showcase state when it comes to the New Energy Economy,” said Rep. Madden.  “We’ve accomplished so much in a very short time and it’s already paying dividends.  We have one of the most ambitious and effective renewable energy standards in the country at the core of our efforts.  Colorado’s also achieved something other states have struggled to accomplish, passing legislation signaling to renewable energy industries like wind and solar that ‘we are open for business,’ while at the same time making sure all Coloradans have access to participate.”

The conference is co-sponsored by the Progressive States Network and National Labor Caucus, and coincides with the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislators.  The day-long session, which will include remarks from Alice Madden, is intended to galvanize the progressive agenda and what states can do to combat darkening economic tides.  

“We’ve moved so far past most other states, it’s only fair we show them how to catch up,” Rep. Madden quipped.

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Lawmakers Thrilled by Fort Collins’ Ranking as Second Best Place to Live in America

DENVER – Local lawmakers responded gleefully today after Fort Collins was named the second best place to live in America. The accolade was handed out by Money Magazine, which annually ranks communities based on several factors, including housing, public safety, quality of life and education.

“Money Magazine confirmed what we have always known: Fort Collins is one of the top places in America to live, work and play,” said Rep. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins). “It's no accident. Besides being one of the most beautiful cities in America, we continue to be steadfast in our efforts to create the best jobs in critical high-tech industries, including bio-science, health care, and the New Energy Economy. We also make it a priority to provide high quality schools for our children. It’s no secret anymore: Fort Collins is booming!”

“Money Magazine hit the nail on the head,” said Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins). “Anyone who lives in Fort Collins knows that this city has it all; incredible arts and culture, top-notch schools, exceptional recreational activities, cutting-edge technology companies and business opportunities, as well as a superb quality of life for residents. As a professional engineer, I have had the opportunity to travel the country and the world. But I have never found a place I would rather live than my hometown, Fort Collins.”

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Joe Rice Promoted to Colonel

Promotion comes after 23 years of military service
 
DENVER –State Representative Joe Rice was recently promoted by the Army from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to full Colonel.
 
Joe Rice has served in the military with distinction for over 23 years. He has served several tours of active duty, including a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and three combat tours in Iraq with the Army Reserve.
 
He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, which included establishing the first post-Saddam Baghdad City Council. His work has focused on fostering a functioning democratic government, with substantial cooperation with Iraqi authorities.  In addition to the Bronze Star, Joe Rice was also awarded the Combat Action Badge for actions under enemy fire.  He is a strong voice in the local community as well; this weekend he will be the keynote speaker at a dinner for Colorado Military Survivors, an organization comprised of the families of fallen service members.  
 
Joe Rice’s unit will hold a formal promotion ceremony in August, and a local ceremony will be held for family and friends.

Disclaimer:

 

Joe Rice is a member of the United States Army Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

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Lawmakers Request More Information Regarding Dillon Dam Closure

DENVER – Today, State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) and State Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Denver) sent a letter urging the state’s congressional delegation to work with federal agencies to provide additional information about why Dillon Dam Road was closed indefinitely.  Denver Water chose to close the dam suddenly, without notifying local law enforcement, firefighters and emergency services as to why the dam road was being closed.  

“If there ever was a security breach, then obviously, Summit County communities would be most immediately impacted, as they are directly downhill from the dam,” State Rep. Christine Scanlan. “If there is a security concern or threat that Denver Water knows about, we need to know, too.”

“Our local law enforcement and emergency service organizations need the best information possible to do their jobs,” said State Senator Dan Gibbs.  “We are asking our congressional delegation in Washington to step up to help us get that information.”

The text of the letter follows:  

July 10, 2008

Dear Sir or Madam,

As you know, Denver Water closed Dillon Dam Road in Summit County on Tuesday, July 8. This closure has caused great concern to officials and citizens in the County who rely on the road for both daily transportation and emergency response. Dillon Dam Road is an essential thoroughfare for fire and police responders in the area and provides a critical lifeline for all of Summit County.

Local and State Officials Express Dismay and Frustration at Handling of Dillon Dam Road Closure

DILLON – Today, State Representative Christine Scanlan and State Senator Dan Gibbs joined local officials from across Summit County – including Dillon Lake Fire Chief Dave Parmley, Summit County Sheriff John Minor, Silverthorne Mayor Dave Koop, and Summit County Commissioners Thomas Davidson and Bob French – to address Denver Water’s decision to close Dillon Dam Road.  

Standing with a group of officials at the newly-imposed barricades in the shadow of the dam, the pair expressed dismay at the way in which Denver Water handled the closure, and re-emphasized how important the road is to local communities.  They also raised concerns over how the decision could potentially hamper emergency operations.

“If there was a credible threat, the responsible thing would be to engage local communities to take the necessary steps jointly in order to protect our mountain communities and Denver’s water,” said Rep. Scanlan.  “But to just close this road without communicating with anyone up here – or articulating clearly why it’s so important that it happen right now – is inappropriate at best!”

Senator Gibbs also expressed alarm at the way the situation was handled by Denver Water.

“We recognize that there are certain concerns that must be addressed, and appreciate the steps Denver Water has already taken to secure the dam.  But this road is a lifeline for all of Summit County.  Imagine if we came to Denver and closed Broadway or Colorado Boulevard, and didn’t tell the mayor. That’s the scale of impact we’re talking about.”

Local emergency services officials emphasized how they had rewritten contingency plans to ensure emergency services would continue to serve the mountain communities effectively.  But they re-emphasized how dissapointed they were that Denver Water's failed to communicate with them about the closure, and the need to develop a more permanent solution.

“From an emergency services standpoint, it certainly causes us to reevaluate how we have to operate, because in our business it’s seconds and not minutes that matter,” said Dillon Lake Fire Chief Dave Parmley.  “The lack of communication continues to be absolutely baffling; we still cannot get a full-size engine into the area on either end.  Unfortunately in this case, it seems the terrorism mindset wins one, and freedom loses again.”

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Statement From Rep. Scanlan & Sen. Gibbs Regarding Dillon Dam Road Closure

State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) and State Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) released the following statement on the Denver Water Bureau’s decision to close the Dillon Dam road indefinitely:

“We are disappointed that Denver Water has taken this action to close this crucial roadway without first communicating with our emergency services personnel including fire, ambulance and police officials.  We hope to receive further information from the Denver Water Board in the near future as to why this closure is taking place. Certainly we will respect any form of a credible threat that would necessitate such a reaction.

“We’re proud of the fast action and flexibility of our local officials who are creating alternative routes for emergency services. 

“We hope Denver Water takes into consideration how important this road is to our local residents, emergency responders, and to our community.  We look forward to working together to mitigate any inconvenience to citizens or any slowdown of critical services.”

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Rep. Solano Commends the BLM's Decision to Continue Reviewing Large-Scale Solar Applications

Rep. Solano addressed the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) announcement that it will reverse its previous decision to place a blanket moratorium on applications for utility-scale solar projects proposed for federal lands.  The BLM will continue to review applications for new solar energy projects while it conducts a comprehensive environmental review.

“This is a great day for the solar industry in Colorado and I’m thrilled with the BLM’s decision.  

“This year, we worked hard to open a viable market for utility scale solar projects to take advantage of Colorado’s 300 days of annual sunshine and bring new and greatly-needed jobs to the state.

“The decision by the BLM to continue reviewing applications for new projects affirms our hard work, and will help us foster this critical industry – an industry that could power as many as 20 million American homes in just a few short years.  

“At a time when Americans are struggling with soaring fuel prices and utility bills, we must do everything we can to reduce energy costs and our reliance on foreign oil by developing clean, renewable sources of energy.  I’m glad the BLM agrees.”

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New Law Takes Flight To Protect Our National Symbol

Just in time for Independence Day, bald eagles win protection with new law

DENVER – State Rep. Judy Solano (D-Adams County) celebrated our nation’s birth today by addressing a new law that protects Colorado’s bald eagles. In honor of the announcement, Rep. Solano appeared at an event with a rescued bald eagle. The law -- which goes into effect just in time for Independence Day -- ensures our national symbol will be protected in Colorado.

“The bald eagle is both a symbol of America and sound stewardship of our natural heritage, and I am proud to announce that the beautiful raptor will now be protected in Colorado from poachers,” said Rep. Solano. “It is fitting that we take a patriotic moment just in time for Independence Day to appreciate the bald eagle and acknowledge how important it is to making America what it is.”

The new law makes it a misdemeanor to hunt, take, or possess bald eagles. Each violation carries a fine of $1,000 to $100,000, and up to one year imprisonment. Upon conviction, all gaming license privileges may be suspended from a period of one year to life.

Kin Quitugua, a master falconer and long time environmental educator who founded HawkQuest, joined Rep. Scanlan and talked about his first-hand knowledge about the importance of protecting our national symbol.

“A 4^th grader once asked me ‘If the bald eagle becomes extinct, would it still be our national symbol?’ Well, the bald eagle is a big winner today, thanks to the efforts of Rep. Solano and the Colorado General Assembly,” said Kin Quitugua. “I have seen the devastating effects that hunters and poachers have on bald eagles, and I hope that this legislation means far less abuses of our national symbol.”

The bald eagle was named our national bird in 1782. It won out over Benjamin Franklin’s choice of the wild turkey by only one vote. At that time it was estimated that there were around 50,000 bald eagles. In 1967 they were placed on the endangered species list after their numbers were depleted to less than 2,000 birds. Today, bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback, with biologists estimating that there are over 10,000 in the lower 48 states.

Colorado boasts over 60 pairs of nesting bald eagles and during the winter, as they migrate southward from Canada and Alaska, it is not unusual to find pockets of ten to 100-plus birds roosting near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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Rep. Scanlan & Sen. Gibbs Tackle Ski Lift Safety, Bark Beetle's Bite & Reckless Recreationists

Summit County lawmakers address laws taking effect this week that promote ski lift safety and defend Colorado’s forests, watersheds and public lands

KEYSTONE – Today, State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) and State Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) joined Patricia Campbell, Chief Operating Officer of Keystone Resort, at an event addressing three new laws that went into effect this week benefiting Colorado’s mountain communities.

The two Summit County lawmakers detailed how the laws they sponsored this year will keep Colorado’s ski lifts safe, reduce the devastating bark beetle infestation, and protect the long term use of Colorado’s public lands without diminishing the recreational opportunities available.  

“This year, we tackled the issues that are important to Colorado’s mountain communities,” said Rep. Scanlan.  “These three bills are just a sampling of what we accomplished.  They provide a framework for addressing the complicated issues facing Colorado’s mountain communities.”  

The first, House Bill 1244, continues the passenger safety tramway board for the next 12 years.  That board provides oversight for Colorado’s 374 tramways, most of which are ski lifts.
 
“In just the last two years, there have been more than 25 million ski visits to Colorado resorts, which have accounted for more than 250 million ski-lift rides,” said Sen. Gibbs.  “During that time, there have been no major incidents.”

Solano Calls On BLM To Lift Blanket Moratorium On Solar Development

DENVER:  State Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton) sent the following letter today to the Bureau of Land Management regarding its decision to place a blanket moratorium on new utility-scale solar projects on public lands.  

 

 

 

 

July 1, 2008

Mr. Jim Caswell
Director, Bureau of Land Management
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240


Dear Mr. Caswell,
I am deeply troubled by the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to ban large-scale solar projects planned for public lands. At a time when Americans are struggling with high gas prices and utility bills, it makes no sense to block advancements in an energy sector that would lead to lower costs and energy independence.

By restricting development of our vast solar resources, the BLM will be injuring a potentially vital 21^st century market. Over 120 large-scale solar projects are currently in various stages of development with the BLM. There are good, high paying jobs on the line.  These jobs would benefit areas hardest hit by the current economic slowdown - areas like the rural San Luis Valley in southern Colorado.  

The San Luis Valley could be one of the best solar energy producing regions in the country. Estimates suggest just one utility-scale solar power plant could lead to as many as 250 new, high-skilled jobs and as much as $2 billion in private investment.  .    

This year, recognizing its vast solar potential and the benefits that could result from diversifying its energy portfolio, Colorado opened its market to large-scale solar power production.  Considering Colorado is one of the five sunniest states in the nation, the importance of solar power generation to Colorado’s energy needs and economy cannot be overstated; if the state developed just 2 percent of its solar resources, it could meet half its energy demand.  

This is why the BLM’s latest decision is so puzzling.

New Health Care Laws Bring Immediate Benefits to Coloradans

Colorado’s kids & families to see immediate benefits from new laws
going into effect today

Pictured from left to right: Rep. Gagliardi, Rep. Carroll, Rep. McGihon, Rep. Riesberg

DENVER – Dozens of new laws go into effect on July 1, including four critical health care bills that will provide immediate benefits to Colorado’s businesses and families. The laws focus on lowering costs and increasing Coloradans’ access to health care. Highlights include:

Older Coloradans Cash Fund (HB 1108):
Colorado’s senior citizens will receive an extra $3 million to help them stay independent, productive and at home for as long as possible. The funds shore up a menu of basic senior services, including meals-on-wheels, shopping shuttles, and basic in-home care.

“We’re all aware of the changing demographics and the silver tsunami being created by aging baby-boomers,” said bill sponsorRep. Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley). “The Older Colorado Cash Fund saves active seniors’ independence and the state’s money. The alternative for these people are much costlier residential nursing care facilities. The increased funding will help these folks continue to lead productive, independent lives.”

The FAIR Act (HB 1389):
The Fair & Accountable Insurance Rates (FAIR) Act ensures that 1.3 million Coloradans’ health insurance rates can’t be increased without good cause. The new law will help keep costs down and holds insurance companies accountable, empowering Colorado’s Insurance Commissioner to deny proposed insurance rate increases when insurers cannot justify them.

"Expensive coverage equals no coverage for many Colorado families and businesses,” said bill sponsor Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora). “The FAIR Act addresses increasing rates and declining coverage by making sure that our health care is the insurance industries’ bottom line. Now, insurance companies must justify their rate increases before they take effect. When rates do go up, we will track the reasons why and make that information available to the public.  Because our health should be there bottom line.”