Not in my Backyard! (edit/delete)
Yesterday was a long day. We got home at 9:30pm. It certainly gave me a great amount of appreciation for the jobs that our Elected Officials have in front of them. HB1161 had it's public hearing in front of the Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee. The bill was introduced by Randy Fischer and John Kefalas and lists these sponsors:
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Kefalas and Fischer, Butcher, Carroll M., Frangas, Gagliardi, Green, Levy, McFadyen, McKinley, Primavera, Riesberg, Solano, Soper, and Weissmann
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Johnson, and Bacon
The committee heard almost 30 testimonies. Most of them against the bill by the mining industry, 2 Powertech attorneys, George Robinson from R squared, Dick Clement, and I know at least one other Powertech rep, but I had to step out of the room for a while while they paraded their people (I'm sure you can all understand why --- siggghhhh.) The Colorado Mining Association spoke in opposition as well as some out of state mining experts who said this bill will have repercussions around the globe. (WoooHoooo!!! Why shouldn't the mining companies have to clean up their mess)
We met some people from Fremont County who are getting organized because of a threat of in-situ and hard rock mining adjacent to their million $$ homes. (Funny thing, they are already seeing their property values in huge decline - hmmmmm)
Jeff, Lilias, me and one woman from Fremont County all had very compelling testimony in favor of the bill. Matt Garrington from Environment Colorado testified in favor as well. We were definitely out numbered in bodies in opposition, but the sense was that the committee was getting very tired of the same old "rap" from the U miners and the mining industry. Our strategy of being low key likely worked in our favor.
Also speaking in favor of the bill was Dr. Cory Carroll (Speaking for the Colorado Med Society and Larimer County Med Society), Larimer County Commissioner Randy Eubanks, and a representative from CCI (Colorado Counties Inc.)
Marsha Looper gave me a big hug and thanked us all for what we are doing. Kathleen Curry called Dick Clement on the carpet by telling him that people do not approach the capital with a bill unless they are at their wits end. He might want to examine how his company is doing business. I saw Dick's ears turn red on that one...... He proceeded to defend himself by telling her we are just all anti-nuke activists (my summary of his words - interesting how not one of our testimonies mentioned nukes. Just water.) Buffie McFadyen shared a story of a family member who is sick from heavy metal poisoning because of the U tailings in her district. Wes McKinley thanked me for our efforts, as well.
The mining industry is doing their best to sell their position to the committee as a property rights issue (they own the minerals and should have the right to go after them), as well as talking about how they are helping the groundwater to be cleaned up by taking the uranium out (these same testimonies also talked about how the groundwater could never be used as a drinking water source after the mining is completed - Oh yeah, they are making our water better alright.) They also talked about how much $$ they pump into the economy. They are selling the fact that the regulations are already great, varied and in place to protect the health and safety of people and the environment, so "please don't muddy the waters by adding one more piece of law." (my pun)
Everyone - PLEASE TAKE ACTION Call - write - e-mail.... whatever you can do. My gut says that we need to especially hit Sonnenberg, McNulty, Rose and Gardner with strong words about how polluted water will effect OUR property rights. Even if these guys are not your reps, they are serving on this committee that is in place to represent the entire state, so they deserve to hear from you. Tell them your personal stories. Tell them how close you are to any proposed uranium mining site. I have no strong feel either way for Scanlan, Hodge, Curry, or Gallegos. They need to hear from us too, but maybe not as strongly worded. Encourage McKinley, McFadyen, Fischer, Looper and Solano to stand strong. Again tell them all your personal stories. These are very effective right now. We have rights as well. We have rights to clean water and right of use of our property and right to health and safety.
Below is all their contact information. Below that even, was my testimony, if it helps give you ideas......
The Bill is in amendment phase right now. It will be re-heard and voted on on 2/6/08. Contact all these people ASAP and often. Spread the word......
Agriculture, Livestock, & Natural Resources Committee
Frank McNulty
303-866-2936
Jerry Sonnenberg
303-866-3706
jerry.sonnenberg@state.co.us
Wes McKinley
303-866-2398
wes.mckinley.house@state.co.us
Christine Scanlan
Capitol Phone: (303)866-2952
E-Mail:christine.scanlan.house@state.co.us
Mary Hodge
Cap: 303-866-2912
E-mail: mary.hodge.house@state.co.us
Kathleen Curry (Chair)
Cap: 303-866-2945
E-mail: kathleencurry@montrose.net
Rafael Gallegos
Cap: 303-866-2916
E-mail: rafael.gallegos.house@state.co.us
Buffie McFadyen
Cap: 303-866-2905
E-mail: McFadyen2002@hotmail.com
Marsha Looper
Capitol Phone: (303)866-2946
E-Mail: marsha.looper.house@state.co.us
Judy Solano
Capitol Phone: 303-866-2918
E-mail: judy.solano.house@state.co.us
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