South Dakota 2024 Regular Session

South Dakota Senate Bill SB33

Introduced
1/9/24  
Refer
1/9/24  
Report Pass
1/11/24  
Engrossed
1/16/24  
Refer
1/17/24  
Report Pass
1/22/24  
Enrolled
1/23/24  

Caption

Repeal the Petroleum Release Compensation Board.

Impact

The repeal of the Petroleum Release Compensation Board means that the structures in place to hold responsible parties accountable for petroleum leaks may weaken. This change could impact local communities and the environment adversely as oversight diminishes. Moreover, with the fund that provided financial assistance for cleanup activities being disbanded, those affected by petroleum releases may find it more challenging to secure funding for necessary corrective actions, potentially leaving pollution and hazards unaddressed.

Summary

Senate Bill 33, also known as the act to repeal the Petroleum Release Compensation Board, proposes to eliminate the board responsible for overseeing the petroleum release compensation program in South Dakota. This bill marks a significant shift in how the state addresses environmental concerns related to petroleum leaks, focusing on accountability and reducing governmental oversight during clean-ups. By repealing this board, the state aims to streamline its processes and potentially reduce bureaucratic delays in managing petroleum-related environmental issues. However, this move raises questions about the future of environmental protections for South Dakota's land and water resources.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB33 appears to be polarized. Supporters argue that by dissolving the board and reducing oversight, the state can enhance efficiency in dealing with petroleum-related issues and foster a more business-friendly environment. Conversely, opponents express concerns regarding the potential environmental impact and the risk of not holding companies accountable for their actions. They argue that removing this oversight could lead to more pollution and less assurance that clean-up measures will be enforced effectively.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the discussions revolves around the balance between economic development and environmental protection. Supporters of the repeal claim it would create a more favorable climate for the petroleum industry, while critics argue that it sacrifices essential environmental safeguards. Furthermore, there are worries about the lack of adequate replacement mechanisms to ensure that environmental cleanup is still prioritized and managed effectively, leading to a significant public debate on the bill's implications.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD SB152

Provide increased funding for the water and environment fund.

SD SB78

Create the South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy and make an appropriation therefor.

SD HB1048

Repeal and make technical changes to provisions regarding the Board of Military Affairs.

SD SB28

Revise and repeal obsolete provisions related to the Department of Social Services.

SD SB71

Authorize other fuel taxes to be included in the state’s International Fuel Tax Agreement collections.

SD SB185

Establish the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States – South Dakota and revise provisions related to the foreign ownership or control of agricultural land.

SD SB64

Repeal provisions related to the jail mental health screening pilot program and oversight council.

SD HB1007

Add emergency medical services personnel to Class B public safety membership of the South Dakota Retirement System.

SD SB37

Revise provisions pertaining to the South Dakota School for the Deaf.

SD HB1119

To classify 911 telecommunicators as Class B members of the South Dakota Retirement System.

Similar Bills

CA AB2902

Hazardous substances.

CA AB1646

Hazardous materials: unified program agency: integrated alerting and notification system.

RI H7921

Rhode Island Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act

RI S2750

Rhode Island Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Act

MT SB315

Allocate funding for petroleum tank cleanup

MT SB334

Revise petroleum storage tank cleanup definitions

MI HB6023

Environmental protection: underground storage tanks; underground storage tank corrective action fund; modify. Amends secs. 21502, 21503, 21506a, 21506b, 21510, 21510a, 21510d, 21515, 21516, 21518, 21519, 21519a, 21521, 21524 & 21548 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.21502 et seq.) & repeals sec. 21510c of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.21510c).

CA AB1647

Petroleum refineries: air monitoring systems.