CLA Applauds Governor’s Signing of Animal Feeding Operation Fee Bill

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Jessica Lemmel

Greeley, CO – Senate Bill 18-033, the Environmental Ag Program Fee Bill, was signed into law on May 29th, 2018 by Governor Hickenlooper. The bill, sponsored by Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, Representative Jeni Arndt, and Representative Jon Becker, continues the current fee structure for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Environmental Ag Program (EAP).

Colorado Livestock Association, and other ag organizations, supported SB18-033 which replaces the July 1, 2018, repeal date for the CDPHE Environmental Ag Program with a repeal date of July 1, 2025.

The Environmental Ag Program permits and registers concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and house commercial swine feeding operations (HCSFOs) to ensure protection of surface and groundwater resources. Since 1999, this program has been supported by cash fees paid by the regulated livestock facilities.

Colorado Livestock Association members were instrumental in the creation of this program when leaders at the time recognized a need for one place within the department where livestock producers could obtain the required permits and pay fees related to livestock feeding operations.

At present, the Environmental Ag Program focuses on compliance assistance, permitting and compliance assurance activities and collaborates with the agricultural sector through guidance, compliance assistance tools, annual stakeholder meetings and quarterly newsletters.

CLA members, Norm Dinis, Empire Dairy and Justin Miller, JBS Five Rivers Cattle Feeding testified in support of the bill in front of the Senate Ag Committee. During their testimony, they each described their personal experience and the collaborative relationship that has been cultivated over the years between livestock agriculture and the Environmental Ag Program staff.

Colorado Livestock Association’s Legislative Affairs Committee, chaired by Julie McCaleb, monitors proposed legislation that could impact Colorado’s livestock industry. CLA members are welcome to participate on these informational calls. If you have an interest in participating, please contact the CLA office at (970) 378-0500.

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