Per Peter Nielsen: SB 48 would direct Montana DEQ to seek authority to administer so called dredge and fill permitting program, pending the outcome of a federal Supreme Court ruling regarding the recent Waters of the U.S. regulations proposed by EPA and the Corps of Engineers. The outcome of the Supreme Court ruling in uncertain. The future of the federal regulations is very uncertain a this time, and it appears unlikely that the regulations will be implemented as proposed. If the regulations survive, this bill would require DEQ to seek jurisdiction from EPA. Eventually DEQ could assume the program, which is currently administered through the Corps of Engineers in Montana.
It is not necessary for the County to weigh in on this bill at this time.
Per Peter Nielsen: SB 48 would direct Montana DEQ to seek authority to administer so called dredge and fill permitting program, pending the outcome of a federal Supreme Court ruling regarding the recent Waters of the U.S. regulations proposed by EPA and the Corps of Engineers. The outcome of the Supreme Court ruling in uncertain. The future of the federal regulations is very uncertain a this time, and it appears unlikely that the regulations will be implemented as proposed. If the regulations survive, this bill would require DEQ to seek jurisdiction from EPA. Eventually DEQ could assume the program, which is currently administered through the Corps of Engineers in Montana.
ReplyDeleteIt is not necessary for the County to weigh in on this bill at this time.