Conference committee approves firewood import ban, federal‑quarantine enforcement and energy‑efficiency extension; several agriculture bills rolled

The Joint House and Senate Conference committee met April 22 in Conference Room 325 and on a series of agriculture and energy measures approved a prohibition on importing non‑heat‑treated firewood, authorized the state Department of Agriculture to enforce federal quarantines and extended the energy efficiency portfolio standards, while deferring or rolling several other agriculture bills for further drafting or budget action.

Committee members said the firewood import measure (conference draft CD1) will prohibit importation of firewood into the state unless the wood is heat treated or authorized by the Department of Agriculture, adopt amendments proposed to the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce by the Department of Agriculture, and take effect upon approval. Senate and House conferees recorded unanimous aye votes among those present; one senator and one representative were excused. The committee recorded agreement and closed the item without additional public amendments.

The committee also approved a measure authorizing the Department of Agriculture to enforce federal quarantines. The conference draft was amended to take effect upon approval; senate and house conferees present voted aye and one senator was excused. Committee members said the…