By amending section 23.1-13-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, SB2024 introduces a new structure for inspection fees related to fuel dealers and enhances the operational framework for monitoring environmental quality. This amendment is significant as it aims to ensure compliance among fuel sellers, thereby protecting public health and the environment. The increased funding for environmental services could lead to improved regulatory compliance and enhanced protection against environmental hazards associated with fuels.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 2024 is an appropriations bill aimed at providing funding to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. The bill outlines a budget that includes funds for salaries, operating expenses, and grants to enhance the department's capabilities over the upcoming biennium. Specifically, the bill provides over $132 million, which includes significant one-time funding aimed at upgrading environmental services, including capital assets for a new chemistry laboratory and equipment for programs addressing emerging contaminants.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB2024 appears to be positive, with legislators recognizing the need to bolster the state’s environmental quality infrastructure. The bill garnered significant support, evidenced by its unanimous approval in the Senate (46 Yays, 0 Nays) and a strong showing in the House (77 Yays, 16 Nays). This backing indicates a bipartisan consensus on the importance of addressing environmental issues through an adequately funded framework.
Contention
While the overall sentiment is favorable, there may be underlying contention regarding the allocation of funds, particularly concerning specific programs and projects outlined in the bill. Some members may question the prioritization of certain expenditures, such as the substantial investment in the new chemistry laboratory compared to other pressing environmental needs. This aspect of the funding distribution could generate discussions around resource allocation within environmental governance and regulatory practices.
The state leave sharing program, capitol grounds rent collections, and the law enforcement retirement program; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the game and fish department; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an exemption.
Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The salaries of justices of the supreme court, the salaries of district court judges, and compensation of jurors; to provide for transfers; to provide for a report; and to provide an exemption.
Legislative compensation; to provide a report; to provide an exemption; to provide for application, transfer, and cancellation of unexpended appropriations; and to declare an emergency.
Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.