The Senate Committee on Natural Resources was called to order by Chairman Dean A. Rhoads, at 3:35 p.m., on Wednesday, May 19, 1999, in Room 2144 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen, Vice Chairman

Senator Mike McGinness

Senator Mark A. James

Senator Raymond C. Shaffer

Senator Bob Coffin

Senator Maggie Carlton

GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Fred Welden, Committee Policy Analyst

Scott Corbett, Committee Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT:

Assemblyman John W. Marvel, Humboldt, Pershing, Elko, Eureka, and Lander counties Assembly District No. 34, spoke in favor of A.B. 103. Assemblyman Marvel testified that A.B. 103 would remove the Division of Agriculture, and the Division of Minerals from the Department of Business and Industry, which would save the two divisions approximately $64,000 in cost allocation per year that would have gone to the Department of Business and Industry. Assemblyman Marvel added that this cost allocation money could then be retained and put to use in the reestablished State Department of Agriculture. Assemblyman Marvel pointed out the Division of Minerals currently receives no General Fund money and is totally self-sufficient, and A.B. 103 would also create a commission on minerals.

Chairman Rhoads commented that there are numerous technical difficulties that need to be worked out with A.B. 103.

Benny Romero, Member, State Board of Agriculture, read a prepared statement from James E. Connelley, Chairman, State Board of Agriculture, in favor of A.B. 103 (Exhibit C).

Chairman Rhoads asked where the Division of Minerals would be placed if A.B. 103 passes. Assemblyman Marvel replied that the Division of Minerals will be separate, and will not be under the newly established State Department of Agriculture if A.B. 103 passes, but will be under a commission (Commission on Mineral Resources).

Paul J. Iverson, Administrator, Division of Agriculture, Department of Business and Industry, reviewed a handout (Exhibit D) that explains the advantages of the reestablishment of the State Department of Agriculture. Mr. Iverson continued by saying there are only two states that currently have a division of agriculture, Nevada and Alaska, and referred to a paper showing the National State Department of Agriculture members (Exhibit E). Mr. Iverson concluded by referring to a handout that outlines the agencies and organization of what would be the newly reestablished State Department of Agriculture (Exhibit F).

Senator Jacobsen asked what can be done to increase awareness of agriculture as well as promote it, and added that he is very impressed with the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Assemblyman Marvel replied that he believes if A.B. 103 passes, Mr. Iverson will improve agriculture, as a whole, in the State of Nevada. Mr. Romero added that he appreciates Senator Jacobsen’s concerns, and he believes the new dean of agriculture at the University of Nevada, Reno, will help bring agriculture in the state back to the forefront of the public’s concerns. Mr. Iverson mentioned that he has seen a change in the last 3 years and believes there is a resurgence of interest in the agriculture industry, and also believes the FFA is doing a great service to the agriculture industry.

Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, Churchill, White Pine, Eureka, and Lander counties Assembly District No. 35, testified that she strongly supports A.B. 103 and believes the newly created department would be more sympathetic to the needs of the agriculture industry.

Stephanie D. Licht, Lobbyist, Nevada Woolgrowers Association, and Elko County Commissioners, stated she supports this bill to raise awareness of agriculture, and that currently only 1.5 percent of the population in the United States is involved in agriculture.

C. Joseph Guild, Lobbyist, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association, urged support of A.B. 103, and commented that elevating the Division of Agriculture back to a department shows how important agriculture is to Nevada.

Dough Busselman, Lobbyist, Nevada Farm Bureau, spoke from prepared comments (Exhibit G) in strong support of A.B. 103.

Peter D. Krueger, Lobbyist, Nevada Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, testified that they, too, also strongly support this bill. Mr. Krueger commented that the State Sealer of Weights and Measures would be under the new State Department of Agriculture and would be a vital part of the new department.

David Hill, Lobbyist, Nevada Propane Dealers Association, spoke in support of A.B. 103.

Russ Fields, Lobbyist, Nevada Mining Association, testified in support of A.B. 103, and added that the Nevada Mining Association approves the portions of the bill allowing the commission on minerals to adjust fees contingent on the Division of Minerals needs.

Alan R. Coyner, Administrator, Division of Minerals, Department of Business and Industry, spoke in support of A.B. 103, and referred to a handout outlining the effects this bill will have on the Division of Minerals, if passed (Exhibit H).

Chairman Rhoads commented that the committee would have to have a motion of amend and do pass due to some technical difficulties related to the bill.

With no further business before the committee, the chairman adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

Scott Corbett,

Committee Secretary

APPROVED BY:

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

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