January 28, 2020 - Yesterday, Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM) testified in support of Rep. Randy Pietzman's HB 1804, a bill that would require the Department of Natural Resources to assist permit applicants throughout the permitting process.
Today, AIM testified for informational purposes on SCR 38, sponsored by Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin, that would stop a planned hazardous waste fee increase.
AIM president and CEO Ray McCarty testified on SCR 38.
"AIM agreed to not oppose these Hazardous Waste program fee increases, provided the Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources correct inappropriate transfers from the Hazardous Waste Fund to the Attorney General's Office, find other efficiencies, and focus their efforts on the core tasks they are required to perform," said McCarty. "Currently, the DNR is spending resources to comply with EPA guidance regarding vapor intrusion. Such guidance has been the subject of a Presidential Executive Order directing all federal agencies, including the EPA, to review all guidance documents and ensure the public and regulated entities understand such guidance documents are advisory only and do not have the force and effect of law or regulation. DNR needs to use their limited funds to perform only essential tasks required by the EPA to administer the Hazardous Waste program," he told the committee.
The Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee heard SCR 38, but took no action at the hearing. A vote is anticipated in the near future. The concurrent resolution must be passed within 60 days of the beginning of the legislative session to effectively void the regulation increasing the hazardous waste fees. AIM is working with the DNR to find a solution to the issues raised.
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