Natural Resources & Energy Committee reviews costs, implementation steps for chloride-reduction bill

The Natural Resources & Energy Committee on Feb. 11 reviewed the fiscal and implementation questions in S.29, a bill that would establish a certification program and other measures intended to reduce chloride contamination of the state’s waters.

The committee asked the Legislative Joint Fiscal Office to present preliminary fiscal considerations for the bill. "The Joint Fiscal Office has prepared a memo identifying the preliminary fiscal considerations pertaining to this bill," said James W., fiscal analyst, Joint Fiscal Office, as he opened the presentation.

Committee members focused on three practical issues: the bill’s initial $250,000 appropriation, how much ongoing state staff time or contracting would be required, and how implementation would affect municipalities and private actors that apply salt and de-icing materials.

James W. said the memo separates direct state fiscal impacts from indirect impacts borne by municipalities and private parties. Direct costs identified in the memo include a proposed $250,000 appropriation for a third-party contractor to assist with implementing a certification program and the potential for additional Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) staff time for rulemaking, contracting and…