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Committee approves measure to require legislative review of agency moratoriums; supporters and opponents debate scope
Summary
The committee approved SB 2 90, which requires legislative review and re-approval of agency moratoriums every four years and adds procedural steps for new moratoriums.
The committee approved Senate Bill 2 90, a measure that creates a legislative review process for agency-imposed moratoriums and sets a four-year expiration unless the moratorium is reviewed and approved by the legislature.
Sponsor Senator Blake Johnson and supporters described the bill as an oversight mechanism to keep moratoriums subject to legislative review. "SB 290 keeps these decisions in the hands of elected officials," said a representative of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association in testimony supporting the measure.
Nut graf: Proponents said the change preserves property rights and gives the Legislature a consistent way to review moratoriums. Opponents said that, as drafted, the bill could put long-standing moratoriums at risk because the bill's default requires moratoriums to be re-approved; critics argued that could result in the revocation of protections for the Buffalo River watershed and Lake Maumelle if the review is not completed.
Debate and testimony: Conservation groups and residents from the Buffalo River watershed urged retention of the existing moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in that watershed, citing scientific studies and local economic reliance on tourism and recreation. Witnesses described long-term water-quality monitoring showing higher nutrients and bacterial indicators near existing operations and warned that revoking moratorium protections could injure local economies and drinking-water sources.
Vote: The committee adopted the bill as amended by voice vote. Sponsors argued the bill does not automatically repeal existing moratoriums but requires a process to review and approve rules; opponents said the statutory default could still leave protections to lapse if not acted on.
Ending: The bill passed committee; proponents said it restored legislative oversight over agency moratoriums, while opponents asked lawmakers to ensure the Buffalo River and other sensitive watersheds keep their protections.
