Mississippi House Bill HB765

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

MS Menhaden Processing Plant Odor Elimination Task Force; create.

Impact

The bill creates a structured approach to investigating environmental issues related to menhaden processing plants, facilitating collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including state agencies and legislators. Members appointed to the task force will include representatives from marine resources and environmental quality sectors, alongside legislators from the Gulf Coast. The task force's findings are expected to culminate in a set of recommendations, which could include new legislation focused on air quality regulation in the region, thereby enhancing existing state laws concerning environmental protection.

Summary

House Bill 765 establishes the Mississippi Menhaden Processing Plant Odor Elimination Task Force, aimed at addressing the odor and toxic air pollution resulting from menhaden processing plants located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The bill mandates a comprehensive review of the air quality in the region, identifying the extent to which these processing facilities affect local environments. Furthermore, the task force is tasked with evaluating the measures currently in place at the plants to mitigate odor emissions and suggesting potential state law amendments to prevent future occurrences of odor and toxic pollution.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the operational changes needed for menhaden processing plants, as industry stakeholders might be apprehensive about potential financial burdens imposed by new regulations. Additionally, the task force's capability to propose legislation could lead to debates over industry standards versus environmental protection priorities. Ongoing discussions about the balance between economic activity in the fishing and processing sectors and the health impacts on local communities are poised to be key elements in the legislative discourse surrounding this bill.