Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB07128

Introduced
2/14/19  

Caption

An Act Concerning The Modification Or Revocation Of A Consent Order Entered Into By The Commissioner Of Energy And Environmental Protection.

Impact

The passage of HB 7128 would significantly affect the state's approach to environmental regulation. By instituting stricter controls on how consent orders can be modified, the bill will likely lead to increased accountability within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It provides assurance to businesses and other entities involved in consent orders that their commitments will not be changed unilaterally, which could foster a more collaborative relationship between the state agency and private parties. Furthermore, it aims to enhance due process in environmental regulations by requiring mutual consent for changes to agreements.

Summary

House Bill 7128 seeks to modify the process surrounding consent orders that are entered into by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. This bill stipulates that once a consent order is agreed upon, its terms cannot be altered or revoked without obtaining the consent of all parties involved. The intention behind this legislation is to provide stability to the agreements made concerning environmental remediation and regulatory compliance, ensuring that affected parties retain a degree of control over the terms that govern their obligations.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has faced scrutiny. Some legislators and environmental advocacy groups have expressed concerns that limiting the Commissioner’s flexibility to modify consent orders could hinder timely responses needed for urgent environmental issues. Critics argue that the rigidity introduced by this bill might prevent efficient adjustments that are sometimes required to manage unforeseen challenges or to comply with new scientific findings or regulations. This has sparked a debate on balancing the need for regulatory stability with the necessity of agility in environmental management.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00189

An Act Concerning The Issuance Of Permits By The Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection.

CT HB05227

An Act Concerning The Release Of Certain Liens Of The Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection.

CT SB00289

An Act Concerning The Authority Of The Departments Of Energy And Environmental Protection And Transportation Over Vegetation Management.

CT HB05403

An Act Concerning Military Protection Orders And Other Interpersonal Violence Protections.

CT SB00134

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To Statutes Concerning Consumer Protection.

CT HB05356

An Act Concerning Modifications To The Renewable Portfolio Standard.

CT HB05507

An Act Concerning Certain Proceedings Relating To Electric Transmission Lines And The Membership And Processes Of The Connecticut Siting Council.

CT HB05236

An Act Concerning Recommendations By The Department Of Consumer Protection.

CT SB00290

An Act Concerning Minor Revisions To Environment Related Statutes.

CT SB00385

An Act Concerning Energy Procurements, Certain Energy Sources And Programs Of The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.