Uranium mining requirements eased in proposal
A bill that would require uranium mining companies to show they can clean up groundwater damage from their operations had an unexpectedly easy time in committee Thursday after undergoing some big changes.
House Bill 1161, sponsored by Reps. John Kefalas and Randy Fischer, both Fort Collins Democrats, passed on a bipartisan 11-2 vote.
The bill comes in response to a proposal for a new uranium mine in Weld County and was amended to limit the requirements to uranium mining companies. It also was stripped of a rule forcing state officials to deny a proposed mine if the mining company can’t meet the requirements.
Water rights wouldn’t be forfeited.
A revision to Colorado water law that would allow rights- holders to leave water in the river without losing their rights passed its first hurdle Wednesday.
By a vote of 10-2, the House natural resources committee approved House Bill 1280 by Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins.
Colorado water law is based on the idea that rights-holders use the water they’re allotted or they lose their rights. Fischer’s bill would allow rights-holders to lease or temporarily donate water rights to the Colorado Water Conservation Board without forfeiting them.
Supporters, including numerous environmental groups, say fuller rivers boost ecosystem health and Colorado’s tourism economy.
Healthier drinks would be required in schools.
School kids could be guzzling more low-fat milk, 100 percent fruit juice and vegetable juice if a bill that passed a Senate committee today makes it into law.
Senate Bill 129 requires the state school board to set healthy beverage requirements for school districts. The measure from Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne, passed 4-2.
