March 9, 2022 - The Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee today passed SB 918 sponsored by Sen. Eric Burlison.
This legislation is a top priority of Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM) this legislative session.
The bill would ensure state hazardous waste regulations could not be stricter than federal regulations and would require state regulations to be based on actual federal law and regulations, rather than on guidance documents or other less formal documents. Similar restrictions already exist in Missouri's air and water programs.
"We have long held that the state Department of Natural Resources exists to help Missouri businesses and others in the regulated community comply with federal laws and regulations," said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of AIM. "We are pleased the current director of the Department also believes in this approach and we would like to ensure no future director changes that core principle," he said.
The bill would also require the Department of Natural Resources provide a statement to recipients of a penalty showing how the penalty is calculated and providing backup. This will allow the recipient to determine if the penalty is correctly computed or needs further work.
"We are pleased to see this bill advance and look forward to passing the bill this year," said McCarty.