Joint Agriculture Committee Meeting Summary
(September 16-17, 2002)

The Joint Agriculture, Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee met on September 16 and 17, 2002 in Rawlins.  The Committee received information concerning a number of agriculture issues including:  conservation easements and the preservation of open spaces, state and federal forest health, state lands, and abolishing taxes on agriculture equipment.

The Committee discussed proposed legislation relating to the ethanol tax credit, animals running at large, agricultural producer’s liens-eliminating repeal, public lands sales-amendments, Wyoming’s Regulatory Takings Act, the Veterinary Practice Act, animal damage management board amendments, and proposed changes to the Governor’s Food Safety Council statutes.  The Committee also reviewed the Livestock Board’s proposed rules.  The Committee discussed concerns regarding monopolies and anti-trust legislation.  The Committee decided to send a letter to the Governor requesting him to use his flexible spending authority to authorize the University of Wyoming to analysis the economic situation in Goshen County in regard to the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse.  The Committee did not plan to meet again before the 2003 legislative session.

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