Water quality; consideration of economic or social development.
Impact
One of the main impacts of HB 393 is the balance it aims to strike between economic development and environmental protection. The bill requires that any approval for increased discharges into higher quality waters must include an analysis of its impact on economically or socially disadvantaged communities. This aspect highlights a focus on protecting vulnerable populations from potential negative effects of development projects while still facilitating economic growth in Virginia.
Summary
House Bill 393 modifies existing regulations regarding water quality control in the Commonwealth. It asserts that no right exists to degrade water quality in state waters due to past or future discharges of waste. The bill explicitly reserves the Commonwealth's control over all state waters, aiming to maintain high water quality, especially in areas that exceed established standards. Under this legislation, the Board could authorize projects leading to increased discharges only if it can be justified that such changes will support necessary economic or social development.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 393. Supporters argue that it provides a necessary framework for sustainable development, ensuring that environmental quality is not sacrificed for economic gains. They believe it encourages responsible resource management and consideration of marginalized communities in decision-making processes. However, opponents may view the bill as potentially hindering development, arguing that the requirements for justifications and impact analyses could create bureaucratic hurdles that delay beneficial projects.