Water and Energy key Environmental Issues, 2006 Legislative Session
The 2006 Legislature could shape up to be a busy session for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Although no new programs are being sought, the budget is frugal, and just two DEQ proposals are on the Legislative table – a continuation of a battery recycle program and a quick fix to the beleaguered Petroleum Storage Tank Fund (see related stories), there are a plethora of bills filed that could affect DEQ. Both DEQ proposals have received favorable recommendations on passage either from legislative committees or stakeholder groups.
As with previous sessions, lawmakers will tackle other issues that could impact various divisions within DEQ. Consider the following:
- Energy policy legislation. The Public Utilities and Technology Interim Committee created an Energy Policy Work Group to develop recommendations that will be considered during the session, including expanding the Clean Fuels Vehicle Fund that provides loans for the purchase of vehicles that run on cleaner fuels (see related story);
- Water rights legislation. One measure being sought would allow the reuse of water by a public agency, requiring approval from the Division of Water Quality; and
- Radioactive waste disposal. Envirocare of Utah has requested that the Legislature and governor approve an expansion request of Class A low-level radioactive waste onto land adjacent to its Tooele County landfill. The fate of the bill is uncertain considering the governor’s opposition to it.
Other bills that have been filed, by title and sponsor, include:
- Amendments to Indoor Clean Air Act, Sen. Mike Waddoups (R-Taylorsville)
- General Fund Surplus Appropriation for Water Development Projects, Sen. Lyle Hillyard (R-Logan)
- Asbestos Compliance of Cities and Counties, Rep. Rosalind McGee (D-Salt Lake)
- Groundwater Management Plan, Rep. David Ure (R-Kamas)
- Bear River Development Act, Rep. Stuart Adams (R-Layton)
- Hybrid Vehicles Use of High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes, Sen. Scott McCoy (D-Salt Lake)
- Mine Safety and Certificate Amendments, Sen. Mike Dmitrich (D-Price)
- Utah Coal Regulator Program Amendments, Sen. Mike Dmitrich (D-Price)
- Lake Powell Pipeline Development Act, Sen. Tom Hatch (R-Panguitch)
More information on bills that have been filed is available at www.le.state.ut.us (opens in a new window).
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