Repeal small business compliance assistance council
The passage of HB 64 will lead to a notable shift in the way small businesses receive guidance regarding compliance with environmental regulations, particularly regarding air quality. By removing the advisory council, the bill intends to simplify and improve the responsiveness of assistance to small business stationary sources. Proponents argue that this will make it easier for these businesses to meet their compliance requirements, fostering a more efficient regulatory environment. However, the effectiveness of assistance may heavily rely on the capabilities and resources of the remaining representative's office.
House Bill 64, introduced by J. Dooling at the request of the Department of Environmental Quality, seeks to amend the Montana Clean Air Act by eliminating the Small Business Compliance Assistance Advisory Council. This council's primary role was to help small businesses navigate environmental regulations, specifically those concerning air quality. The bill proposes to revise the duties of the small business stationary source representative, ensuring the representative can provide tailored assistance to small businesses without being constrained by the council's oversight. The changes aim to streamline the compliance assistance process for small businesses under the Clean Air Act.
The sentiment surrounding this bill appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, including some legislators and small business advocates who believe that removing bureaucratic layers can enhance compliance support. They suggest that eliminating the council might lead to quicker responses and more direct assistance for businesses encountering regulatory challenges. Conversely, critics of the bill fear that removing the advisory council could diminish vital support systems established to help small businesses, regardless of their ability to interact effectively with state agencies.
A key point of contention in the discussions around HB 64 centers on the perceived loss of a systematic support framework that the Small Business Compliance Assistance Advisory Council provided. Opponents argue the council played a critical role in addressing specific needs of small businesses concerning environmental regulations. The debate emphasizes concerns that, without the council, small businesses may struggle to comprehend and comply with air quality regulations, potentially compromising both environmental standards and business operations.