Connecticut House Bill HB05985

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning Consent Orders Entered Into By The Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection.

Impact

The implications of HB 5985 are significant for environmental regulation and compliance in the state. By requiring consent from parties to modify or revoke consent orders, the bill is expected to provide greater assurance to businesses and organizations that enter into agreements with DEEP. This could lead to more collaborative relationships between DEEP and regulated entities, as parties may feel more secure in their commitments, potentially fostering compliance and reducing litigation over consent order modifications.

Summary

House Bill 5985 aims to amend section 22a-6dd of the general statutes to safeguard consent orders that are entered into by parties with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The bill stipulates that such consent orders cannot be modified or revoked without the consent of the involved party, thereby enhancing the security and predictability of legal agreements made concerning environmental regulations and compliance.

Contention

While the bill purports to protect the interests of stakeholders engaged with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, some concerns may arise regarding its implications for regulatory flexibility. Critics may argue that by making it more difficult to modify consent orders, the bill could limit DEEP's ability to respond to changing circumstances or new information regarding environmental issues. This aspect might be contentious among environmental advocacy groups and legislators who prioritize adaptive regulatory frameworks.