Providing for storm water management plans and facilities.
Impact
The introduction of HB 991 could result in significant changes to state laws regarding environmental regulation, particularly in how local governments manage stormwater. The bill may compel municipalities to develop and enforce more stringent stormwater management plans, thus promoting consistency in standards across regions. This could lead to improved water quality, reduced flooding incidents, and enhanced public safety, but would also require an allocation of resources for municipalities to comply with these new requirements.
Summary
House Bill 991 aims to enhance stormwater management by establishing comprehensive plans and facilities to address stormwater runoff. This legislation serves to build resilience in local communities against flooding and water quality degradation, which are becoming increasingly critical issues due to climate change. The bill emphasizes the need for local governments to implement specific requirements for stormwater management to safeguard public health and the environment.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 991 appears to be generally positive among environmental advocacy groups and those concerned with public health, as they see it as a necessary step toward better environmental stewardship. Conversely, some skeptics express concerns regarding the potential financial burden on local governments and the feasibility of implementing the proposed measures. This reflects a balance between the need for environmental protection and the need for municipal resources and capabilities.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 991 is the potential impact on local government autonomy and fiscal responsibilities. Critics may argue that imposing additional stormwater management requirements could strain budgets and divert funding from other local priorities. Proponents counter that investing in effective stormwater infrastructure is beneficial long-term, potentially preventing more costly repairs from flood damage down the line. This creates ongoing debates about resource allocation and the role of local versus state authority in environmental management.
In storm sewers and watercourses, further providing for authority of boroughs and for manner of financing work; providing for storm water management plans and facilities for incorporated towns; and, in watercourses, flood protection projects and storm water systems, further providing for establishing and changing watercourses, flood protection projects and storm water systems and for assessment of benefits and liens.
Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.
In emergency management services, providing for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response; in Emergency Management Assistance Compact, providing for construction; and making repeals.
In subdivision and land development, providing for potentially impacted municipalities and further providing for approval of plats and for completion of improvements or guarantee thereof prerequisite to final plat approval; providing for developments of regional significance and impact; and, in zoning hearing board and other administrative proceedings, further providing for jurisdiction.