Connecticut Senate Bill SB00386

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/10
• Refer: 3/3/10

Caption

An Act Concerning The Adoption Of Regulations Relating To Water Use, Planning And Protection.

Impact

The enactment of SB00386 is designed to create a systematic and informed process for the adoption of water-related regulations. By instituting a review period of forty-five days, the bill seeks to address any concerns from the involved parties, thereby aiming to prevent hasty decisions that might overlook the critical interconnections between public health and environmental protection. This coordination is expected to lead to improved outcomes for water management practices across the state.

Summary

SB00386, titled 'An Act Concerning The Adoption Of Regulations Relating To Water Use, Planning And Protection', is focused on enhancing the coordination among state agencies involved in the management of water resources. The bill mandates that any regulations proposed concerning water use, planning, or protection must first be reviewed and commented upon by key commissions such as the Commissioner of Public Health, the chairperson of the Public Utilities Control Authority, and the Water Planning Council. The goal is to mitigate potential conflicts and ensure a cohesive approach before regulations are put forward for adoption.

Contention

While support for the bill is built around the efficiency and thoroughness it introduces to regulatory processes, there may be contention concerning the potential for bureaucratic delays. Stakeholders might express concerns that the added steps for review could slow down the adoption of necessary regulations, especially in urgent situations concerning water quality and availability. Furthermore, some local agencies could view the new requirements as an encroachment on their authority to manage local water issues independently, raising questions about the balance of control between state and local governance.