Government Affairs

When the voice of Colorado cattlemen needs to be heard on public policy issues in front of Congress, the State Legislature or government agencies; CCA can be counted on to take up the gauntlet.

CCA leaders regularly testify before the Legislature to ensure the interests of agriculture are not ignored.  CCA's full-time lobbyist, aided by the David G. & Lucille S. Rice Legislative Intern, work with legislators to ensure that the beef industry is represented at Colorado's Capitol.

During the legislative session, CCA members can check the Legislative Review here and in the weekly agricultural publication, Ag Journal, for an update on current legislation, a particular bill's progress, CCA's position on the bill, and how it could affect cattlemen.

2013 Legislative Tracking Lists

Tracking List as of May 14, 2013

PI Tracking List as of May 14, 2013

Signed by Governor List as of May 14, 2013

White Papers:

CCA Comments on Proposed Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Rule: CCA has commented on the proposed Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Rule and believes that the USDA has fallen short of the needed adjustments in the rule that will ensure the integrity of the U.S.'s MCOOL regulations, while not bringing devastating economic harm to U.S. beef producers. To this end, CCA believes that the merit of this rule is in question and requests that USDA re-evaluate the rule within strict context of the World Trade Organization’s ruling on the topic.

Senate Bill 169 - The Reintroduction of Ferrets: CCA supports this legislation as it is time for agriculture landowners to lead when it comes to conservation and recovery of species and habitats. CCA member policy and subsequent actions around the Endangered Species Act focus on creating flexibly-implemented conservation measures that provide landowners with meaningful assurances and incentives when addressing species of concern.

CCA's Comments on Proposed Listing of Gunnison Sage Grouse: CCA offers concurrent comment on the Endangered Status and Critical Habitat Designation for GUSG. Based on the reasoning set forth in these comments, and the extensive biological opinion of the State of Colorado’s Parks and Wildlife Division; the Fish and Wildlife Service has fallen short of the needed preponderance of information to substantiate a listing of the GUSG under the ESA, much less that of an endangered status. Additionally, the overreaching designation of critical habitat further exacerbates the listing by economically impending resource-based industries and those reliant on them from ongoing and sustainable operation. To this end, CCA believes that the merit of the scientific evidence supports that the GUSG receive a “Not Warranted for Listing” status.