Providing for additional sources of revenue for the water program management fund and creating additional fees for the regulation of underground injection control wells.
Impact
By creating these new fees and updating regulatory frameworks, HB2159 is designed to strengthen the state’s capability to manage its water resources effectively. This includes ensuring that wastewater treatment facilities operate within established safety standards, thereby protecting both surface and groundwater from contamination. The bill also supports the state's obligation under the federal Clean Water Act to maintain and improve water quality, thus reflecting the state's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Summary
House Bill 2159 aims to amend existing regulations concerning the management of wastewater treatment facilities, water wells, and underground injection control wells in the state of Kansas. Central to this legislation is the establishment of new fees that would provide additional revenue streams for the water program management fund. The bill grants the Secretary of Health and Environment the authority to impose these additional fees, which are intended to enhance the regulation and monitoring of water resource management activities that are vital for public health and environmental safety.
Contention
While the bill seeks to improve water quality and safety, there are potential points of contention regarding the imposition of new fees. Stakeholders, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors, may express concerns about the financial implications of these additional costs. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the extent of the secretary's authority in regulating and charging fees, as this could affect existing operations and compliance requirements for both small and large facilities. Should the bill evolve into law, it will necessitate careful scrutiny of the regulatory environment and its ramifications on affected entities within Kansas.
Providing for additional sources of revenue for the water program management fund and creating additional fees for the regulation of underground injection control wells.
Providing for additional sources of revenue for the water program management fund and requiring water supply system and wastewater treatment facility operator certification examination fees to not exceed the costs for such exams.
Establishes a joint committee to study the impact of federal laws and regulations on the use of injection wells for the underground injection of fluids
Oil and gas: Geologic Energy Management Division: wells and facilities: disposition and acquisition notices: indemnity bonds and remediation: additional security: civil penalty.
Corporation Commission; modifying authority over certain injection wells; establishing process for Class VI facility applications and unitization. Effective date.
Providing for the injection of carbon dioxide into an underground reservoir for the purpose of carbon sequestration, for the ownership of pore space in strata below surface lands and waters of the Commonwealth, for conveyance of the surface ownership of real property; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Hearing Board; and establishing the Carbon Dioxide Storage Facility Fund.
Providing for additional sources of revenue for the water program management fund and creating additional fees for the regulation of underground injection control wells.