FIFTY-SECOND LEGISLATUREHB 38/a

FIRST SESSION, 2015

March 12, 2015

Mr. President:

    Your CONSERVATION COMMITTEE, to whom has been referred

     HOUSE ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL 38

has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation that it DO PASS, amended as follows:

    1. On page 1, lines 24 and 25, strike Subsection B in its entirety.

    2. Reletter the succeeding subsections accordingly.

    3. On page 2, line 12, strike "division" and insert in lieu thereof "board".

    4. On page 2, lines 17 and 18, strike "energy, minerals and natural resources department" and insert in lieu thereof "state land office".

    5. On page 6, strike line 13 up to the second comma and insert in lieu thereof "state land office".

    6. On page 6, lines 18 and 19, strike "state forester" and insert in lieu thereof "commissioner of public lands".

    7. On page 7, lines 12 through 25 and on page 8, lines 1 through 21, strike Subsection B in its entirety and insert in lieu thereof the following new subsections:

         "B. A project is eligible for funding if the project:

             (1) is part of a current state forest and watershed health plan or forest action plan, a community wildfire protection plan, other comprehensive forest and watershed treatment plan or wildlife conservation or habitat improvement plan approved by the board;

             (2) incorporates actions recommended by current plans or, where new plans are developed, seeks to integrate forest, fire and water management with community and economic development plans;

             (3) will protect watersheds that are the source of drinking water;

             (4) targets an area at high risk of catastrophic wildfire; or

             (5) has obtained all requisite state and federal permits and authorizations necessary to initiate the project, if the project is other than a planning project.

         C. A project that is eligible for funding in accordance with Subsection B of this section shall be given priority for funding if the project:

             (1) has matching contributions from federal, state, local, tribal or private sources and, if available, support from other public or private water, forest, fire, wildlife habitat or economic development programs;

             (2) is in an area:

                  (a) with a wood supply that can be used as biomass for energy production;

                  (b) where small-diameter trees may be put to commercial use; or

                  (c) where traditional forest products may be produced;

             (3) is clustered around priority areas that can supply a useful amount of wood products for industry; or

             (4) creates incentives to increase investment by federal, state, local, tribal or private entities, including investment by downstream water users to manage forested headwaters and water sources.".,

and thence referred to the FINANCE COMMITTEE.

                               Respectfully submitted,

                               ___________________________________

                               Peter Wirth, Chairman

Adopted_______________________ Not Adopted_______________________

          (Chief Clerk) (Chief Clerk)

                  Date ________________________

The roll call vote was 6 For 1 Against

Yes:      6

No:       Ryan

Excused: Cervantes, Griego, Payne

Absent:   None

HB0038CO1.wpd                                              .201285.1