Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves DEQ board membership revisions to include environmental organization representation
Summary
First substitute SB21, revising Department of Environmental Quality board membership language to explicitly include environmental organizations, passed the Senate 23–6 after clarification and sponsor-led adjustments; the bill will be forwarded to the House.
Senator Dayton presented first substitute Senate Bill 21, which revises membership and responsibilities of boards associated with the Department of Environmental Quality. The sponsor and floor leaders explained that an amendment replaces the phrase “nongovernmental organization” with “environmental organization,” ensuring that environmental community voices have explicit board representation.
Senator Bramble sought clarification about the specific amendment that altered board makeup; Senator Davis (who spoke as maker of the amendment on the floor) and Senator Dayton explained the change and said additional technical clarifications would be handled in the House if necessary. Senator Niederhauser and others discussed committee deliberations; the sponsor emphasized accommodations to environmental stakeholders and the intent to give environmental organizations a voice on each board.
After questions and a roll call, first substitute SB21 passed the Senate 23 yea, 6 nay and will be forwarded to the House for further action.
