Connecticut House Bill HB05441

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/21
• Refer: 1/25/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Modification Or Revocation Of Consent Orders By The Commissioner Of Energy And Environmental Protection.

Impact

The proposed modification represents a significant shift in how consent orders are managed within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. By requiring the agreement of all involved parties for any changes, the bill reinforces stakeholder participation in environmental regulation processes. This could potentially lead to more robust collaborative frameworks between the commissioner and businesses or organizations that are subject to environmental oversight, leading to improved compliance and public trust. The overall effect could result in a more stable regulatory environment regarding consent orders.

Summary

House Bill 5441 addresses the authority of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection regarding consent orders. The bill mandates that any modifications or revocations of consent orders cannot occur without the approval of all parties involved. This legislative change aims to preserve the agreement terms that have been settled between the commissioner and other parties, thereby ensuring that the interests of those affected by such orders are respected and preserved. The clear intent of the bill is to promote fairness and transparency in environmental regulations.

Contention

Opposition to HB 5441 may arise from concerns about the potential slowing of regulatory processes. Critics might argue that requiring unanimous consent for modifications could hinder the commissioner's ability to act swiftly in response to new information or changing environmental conditions that necessitate timely changes to consent orders. Hence, while the bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability, it may also introduce challenges in enforcing promptly necessary regulatory adjustments, raising questions about the balance between regulation and environmental responsiveness.