Connecticut House Bill HB05794

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Limiting Ms4 Stormwater Requirements To Those Required Under Federal Law.

Impact

The impact of HB 05794 is poised to shift the landscape of stormwater management within municipalities across the state. By removing state-imposed mandates that exceed federal requirements, the bill aims to provide local governments with greater autonomy and reduced compliance costs. Proponents argue that this alignment with federal standards will simplify administrative procedures and reduce the financial strain on municipal resources. However, concern exists regarding whether this could result in lower environmental protections at the state level.

Summary

House Bill 05794 proposes to limit the requirements associated with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) stormwater permit program to those mandated by federal law. The intent of this legislation is to alleviate regulatory burdens on municipalities by ensuring that they are only subject to obligations that meet federally established standards. This represents a substantial change in how state regulations interact with federal guidelines, particularly in environmental management.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debate regarding the balance between federal and state authority in environmental regulations. Opponents express concern that limiting state requirements could lead to inadequate protections for local water quality and infrastructure. They argue that local conditions and needs may necessitate stronger state regulations to address specific environmental challenges that aren't considered at the federal level. This contention underlines the ongoing tensions between local governments seeking autonomy in environmental policy and the need for cohesive regulatory frameworks to safeguard natural resources.