Urging the Department of Environmental Protection, as a result of the findings of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee's report, Proposed Revisions to Biosolids General Permits PAG-07, PAG-08, and PAG-09, not to implement the proposed revisions.
Impact
If the proposed revisions are enacted, they could have widespread implications for local governments and the agrarian sector by necessitating new infrastructure and compliance measures that may impose financial burdens. Additionally, the report indicates that the DEP has not sufficiently addressed how these stakeholders will manage compliance or the potential environmental benefits that would arise from the implementation of these revisions. This lack of clarity raises concerns about the practicality and feasibility of the proposed changes.
Summary
House Resolution 257 urges the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) not to implement proposed revisions to General Permits PAG-07, PAG-08, and PAG-09, which relate to the beneficial use of biosolids through land application. The resolution points to concerns highlighted in a report by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee regarding the proposed revisions. The report raised significant issues related to potential increased costs for ratepayers, municipalities, and the agricultural industry, as well as challenges associated with the management of biosolids.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HR257 appears to be predominantly cautious and critical. Legislators and stakeholders who support this resolution express concerns about the DEP's proposed revisions and the inadequate consideration of their impacts on communities and industries that rely on effective biosolids management. Advocates for the resolution seem to be prioritizing fiscal responsibility and environmental safety over potentially unfounded regulatory changes.
Contention
Debate surrounding HR257 indicates notable contention regarding the balance between regulation and practical implementations in biosolid management. Supporters of the resolution argue that the proposed changes could inadvertently complicate waste management processes, while opponents might argue for the need to update regulations to address modern environmental challenges. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of environmental governance, especially in how proposed changes may not align with the immediate realities faced by local municipalities and agricultural practitioners.
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study to comprehensively review all the permits issued by the Department of Environmental Protection, including the authority of the Department of Environmental Protection, and issue a report of findings and recommendations.
To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the proposed rule related to revisions to the air emissions reporting requirements, and for other purposes.
Requiring the director of the budget to independently determine costs of compliance and implementation for all proposed rules and regulations and authorizing the director of the budget to disapprove proposed rules and regulations.
An Act Implementing The Revenue Items In The Budget And Making Budget Adjustments, Deficiency Appropriations, Certain Revisions To Bills Of The Current Session And Miscellaneous Changes To The General Statutes.
Education: curriculum; environmental literacy task force to develop environmental literacy model curriculum and report on the curriculum; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1159.