Modifies provisions relating to standards and guidelines established by the environmental conservation commission
Impact
One significant aspect of HB 2361 is the power it grants to the Missouri Air Conservation Commission regarding the promulgation of rules and obtaining exceptions. The bill allows the Commission to grant variances from established rules on grounds such as economic hardship or impractical compliance, which could provide more flexibility for certain businesses and industries. This might lead to a more business-friendly environment, yet it raises concerns regarding the potential compromise of environmental protections and public health considerations.
Summary
House Bill 2361 aims to modify provisions relating to environmental regulatory bodies by repealing existing sections concerning air conservation and water contaminant control and enacting new sections in their place. The bill redefines the authority of the Missouri Air Conservation Commission to establish standards and regulations following the guidelines of the federal Clean Air Act. It emphasizes that any standards encoded should not exceed those required by federal law, thereby aiming to harmonize state regulations with federal requirements while also allowing for local considerations.
Contention
As discussions around the bill unfold, notable points of contention arise concerning the implications of granting regulatory exceptions. Critics voice concerns that the provisions enabling exceptions could lead to a dilution of environmental protections, particularly in regions particularly sensitive to air and water quality degradation. Advocates for stricter regulations argue that the bill may prioritize economic considerations over necessary environmental safeguards, creating a potential conflict between economic development and environmental stewardship.