Connecticut House Bill HB05852

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Requiring The Regulation Of Water Pollution Control Authorities By The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly impact the operational landscape of water pollution control authorities in the state. It could lead to a shift in how these entities function, with increased requirements for reporting and compliance related to water quality and pollution management. By placing them under PURA's jurisdiction, there is the potential for improved coordination and standardization of practices across different regions, ultimately leading to better environmental outcomes. This change is likely to provide a clearer set of expectations regarding the responsibilities of these authorities.

Summary

House Bill 05852 proposes to amend the general statutes to require that water pollution control authorities are regulated by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The intention behind this legislation is to ensure that these authorities are subject to professional oversight similar to other public utilities, thereby enhancing accountability and effectiveness in managing water pollution control efforts. The regulation by PURA aims to provide a structured framework for monitoring and analyzing the operations of these authorities, which is critical for safeguarding environmental health.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding HB 05852 revolve around the implications for local governance and the potential for increased regulatory burdens on water pollution control authorities. Rather than local agencies independently managing their operations, they would now need to adhere to state-level regulations and oversight, which some argue could stifle local initiatives and responsiveness to specific community needs. Critics may raise concerns regarding whether this centralized approach sufficiently takes into account the unique environmental challenges faced by different areas within the state.