Vermont House Bill H0185

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

An act relating to authorizing dredging for navigation of public waters

Impact

This legislation would enable the Department of Environmental Conservation to assess and permit dredging projects based on their potential impact on the public good, introducing a structured approach to maintaining navigability in important waterways. Moreover, the bill establishes the Working Group on Navigation of Lake Champlain to facilitate discussions regarding dredging between Mallet’s Bay and the Inland Sea. This group's findings and recommendations will inform future actions, ensuring that any dredging undertaken aligns with environmental preservation efforts while addressing the practical needs for improved navigation.

Summary

House Bill 185, introduced by Representatives from various districts, aims to authorize the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to issue permits for dredging navigable waters in the state. The primary purpose of this bill is to enhance navigation in public waters, focusing specifically on Lake Champlain, where dredging is deemed necessary for improving public safety and supporting emergency response efforts. The bill highlights the state's commitment to balancing access to waterways while ensuring that environmental concerns are adequately addressed before any dredging operations commence.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 185 could emerge from environmental advocacy groups concerned about the impact of dredging on local ecosystems and wildlife. Although the bill mandates that dredging must not adversely affect the public good, there may be disagreements on what constitutes acceptable risk versus benefit. Furthermore, the proposal includes the pursuit of federal or other funding for such projects, which could ignite discussions about the allocation of resources and prioritization of environmental concerns in financing navigational improvements.