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Dueling testimony in committee over curbing large-scale stream restorations
Summary
Sponsor Delegate Jen Tarasa told the committee HB 14-65 would require alternatives analyses, minimize tree and habitat loss, and require post-construction ecological monitoring; supporters cited failed projects and habitat loss while engineers and local governments warned the bill would raise costs and impede effective restoration and permit compliance.
Delegate Jen Tarasa told the Environment and Transportation Committee that House Bill 14-65 is intended to rein in destructive large‑scale engineered stream restorations by requiring applicants to consider less‑invasive upland alternatives, minimize impacts to existing trees and habitats, and demonstrate post‑construction ecological improvement through monitoring.
"The intent of HB 14-65 is not to ban all stream restorations," Tarasa said, framing the measure as a "right project, right place" approach to ensure taxpayer dollars produce demonstrable environmental results.
Proponents included scientists, local advocates and naturalists who described projects that cleared mature forest, failed to produce modeled water‑quality benefits, and…
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