Connecticut House Bill HB05065

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/10
• Refer: 2/8/10

Caption

An Act Concerning A Merger Of The Department Of Environmental Protection Into The Department Of Economic And Community Development.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05065 will significantly alter the organizational structure of state government by eliminating the Department of Environmental Protection and transferring its duties to the Department of Economic and Community Development. This change could lead to a more integrated approach to managing environmental issues alongside economic development initiatives. Supporters argue that this merger will facilitate better coordination and resource sharing between environmental and economic development programs, resulting in a more cohesive policy framework. However, the reallocation of responsibilities may also raise concerns about the prioritization of environmental protection initiatives within the new structure.

Summary

House Bill 05065 proposes the merger of the Department of Environmental Protection into the Department of Economic and Community Development. The primary aim of this legislation is to streamline state operations and reduce expenditures associated with maintaining separate agencies. Proponents believe that by consolidating these departments, the state can improve the effectiveness of its environmental policies while enhancing economic development efforts. This bill responds to ongoing discussions about government efficiency and the optimal allocation of state resources.

Contention

The proposed merger has drawn mixed reactions among lawmakers and stakeholders. Advocates of the bill emphasize the potential for cost savings and improved efficiency as compelling reasons for the merger. Conversely, opponents worry that merging these departments could dilute the focus on environmental issues, potentially compromising the state's commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation. There are fears that integrating these two distinct areas of governance might lead to conflicts of interest or insufficient attention to environmental protection, thus affecting public trust in state institutions.