North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1024

Introduced
1/3/23  
Refer
1/3/23  
Report Pass
2/17/23  
Engrossed
2/21/23  
Refer
3/3/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Enrolled
4/27/23  

Caption

The environmental quality restoration fund and revenue to the fund; and to provide for an exemption.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1024 will enhance the financial capacity of the Department of Environmental Quality to undertake significant projects aimed at restoring environmental quality. The provision of $25,000,000 for grants specifically targeted at lead pipe removal demonstrates a direct impact on public health and safety, benefiting residents in affected areas. Furthermore, the bill streamlines financial measures within the state's environmental quality programs, allowing for better allocation of funds across various initiatives focused on maintaining and improving environmental standards.

Summary

House Bill 1024 aims to support the Department of Environmental Quality in managing environmental quality restoration efforts. The bill proposes an appropriation from state and federal funds to ensure that the department has adequate resources for various initiatives, including environmental assessments and lead pipe removal projects. This funding is crucial for the state to address environmental issues and improve public health, as lead pipes are a significant concern for many communities, especially smaller political subdivisions with populations of ten thousand or less.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1024 appears to be generally supportive, with many recognizing the importance of enhancing environmental quality within the state. Supporters advocate for the appropriation of funds to address pressing environmental challenges, particularly the health risks associated with lead pipes. However, there may also be concerns regarding the adequacy of the proposed matching funds requirement for grant recipients, as this could limit some communities' ability to participate fully in the funding opportunities provided by this bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the need for communities to provide matching funds of 25% to secure grants for lead pipe removal, which may pose a barrier for smaller jurisdictions with limited budgets. Critics argue that this stipulation could hinder participation from those who are most in need of assistance. Moreover, the requirement for thorough reporting on the use of one-time funding could generate discussions about accountability and transparency in how funds are allocated and utilized for environmental restoration efforts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2009

The salary of the agriculture commissioner, the federal environmental law impact review committee, the environmental impact mitigation fund, and mitigating environmental impacts; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND HB1004

The deposit of judgment funds; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for an exemption.

ND HB1014

Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2012

Legacy fund definitions, a legacy earnings fund, the legacy earnings highway distribution fund, and legacy earnings township highway aid fund; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an exemption.

ND SB2020

A Bank of North Dakota line of credit and state water commission discretionary funding; to provide for a transfer; to provide for a report; to provide legislative intent; to provide an exemption; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1018

The legacy investment for technology program, the North Dakota development fund, the workforce enhancement council, the administration of uncrewed aircraft system programs, workforce development grants to tribally controlled community colleges, and a North Dakota development fund grant program; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a report; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2003

Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2013

The salary of the superintendent of public instruction, baseline funding, high-cost students, and regional library cooperative definitions; to provide for a transfer; to provide for reports; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2014

A transfer from the strategic investment and improvements fund to the clean sustainable energy fund; to provide a deficiency appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1012

The flexible transportation fund, motor vehicle excise tax allocations, an appropriation for township roadway funding, and the appropriation of bond proceeds for transportation projects; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

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