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Summary: Since an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in 2001, dairy farming has been banned in El Paso County. It is the only county in the country with such a ban. HB 1081 would commission a study to evaluate whether or not it is safe to begin dairy farming there again. The study would have to be completed by September, 2014.
Analysis: HB 1081 does is a step in the right direction that may serve to remove a regulation that prevents an entire industry from being active in El Paso County. It is unlikely that the ban will be lifted without a study demonstrating that dairy farming is safe in El Paso County. Because of its potential to remove regulations, to limit government, and to restore property rights to people who wish to use their land for dairy farming, we support HB 1081.