The bill aims to improve state-level regulatory authority over Class VI wells by expediting the approval process and reducing bureaucratic delays. By establishing a required timeline for decision-making, the bill seeks to streamline the process for states to gain primary enforcement authority. This change is intended to ensure that states can more effectively implement programs that mitigate risks associated with underground injection activities, ultimately promoting environmental safety and public health.
Summary
House Bill 3568, known as the 'Primacy Certainty Act of 2023', seeks to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act in relation to the approval process for state underground injection control programs. The bill mandates a clearer timeline for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve or disapprove state applications regarding Class VI wells, which are critical for certain types of underground injection operations. The proposed legislation specifies that the EPA must act on state applications within 180 days, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and predictability of the regulatory process surrounding groundwater protection.
Contention
However, the bill may face opposition from advocates of stringent environmental protections who fear that hastening the approval process could lead to oversight lapses. Concerns are also raised about the potential implications for groundwater safety, especially in areas where underground injection might threaten drinking water sources. Critics argue that while efficiency in approval is beneficial, it should not compromise the thoroughness of the review process, suggesting that existing environmental safeguards must be preserved.
Extinction Prevention Act of 2023 Southwest Desert Fish Conservation Fund Act of 2023 North America Butterfly Conservation Fund Act of 2023 Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund Act of 2023 Pacific Islands Plant Conservation Fund Act of 2023
Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023