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Senate adds language preventing DEQ from immediately promulgating statewide water‑alteration rules
Summary
The Senate's DEQ appropriation includes new language prohibiting the department from promulgating a state water alteration program or similar rules affecting permanent/intermittent waters and certain wetlands until the legislature has had the opportunity to review proposals.
During consideration of the Department of Environmental Quality appropriation, the Senate added language conditioning receipt of funds on the department refraining from promulgating a state water-alteration program or similar rules affecting permanent, intermittent and certain wetlands until the legislature reviews proposed regulations.
Senator Delano said the department is collecting stakeholder input and the language was included to ensure the legislature can review proposals before new rules are implemented. "As a condition of the receipt of the funds...the department shall not promulgate rules or regulations to establish a state water alteration program or any similar program that would apply to permanent, intermittent...or certain wetlands," he said on the floor.
Supporters framed the language as a procedural pause to allow legislative review; opponents were not recorded in extended floor debate during this excerpt. The amendment was adopted as part of the DEQ strike-all and the appropriation proceeded to final passage steps.
