Virginia House Bill HB448

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Land disturbances; review of local authority regarding.

Impact

If enacted, HB 448 would impact local governments' regulatory capabilities concerning stormwater management. It takes a nuanced approach to environmental legislation, emphasizing the need for cooperation between state and local authorities. The proposed work group is expected to analyze the constraints currently placed on localities, which may lead to recommendations that could either empower local governments to have greater say or suggest alternative regulations at the state level. By focusing on residential constructions, the bill acknowledges the growing concerns over environmental impacts from development in urban and suburban areas.

Summary

House Bill 448 addresses regulations surrounding stormwater management in the context of local government authority. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Quality convene a work group that includes representatives from local government and environmental stakeholders. This group's primary task is to review and assess existing laws regarding the management of stormwater impacts, particularly those stemming from additions and alterations to single-family detached residential structures that involve land disturbances of less than 2,500 square feet. The findings and recommendations from this work group are to be reported to relevant state legislative committees by a specified deadline.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB 448 is the balance between local control and state-level regulation. Proponents may argue that the bill is a step towards better management of stormwater issues while also allowing local authorities to address these challenges appropriately. However, potential critics could express concern that creating a centralized review process might undermine existing local regulations designed to protect the environment. The discussions surrounding the bill also highlight broader debates about environmental policies and the role of local governments in regulating land use, as the state assesses the limits of local authority in managing land disturbances and related environmental impacts.