Thirteen Democratic state senators teamed up with Republicans Monday to pass a GOP BillIt would deprive three citizen environmental boards of their ability to issue or deny permits. Instead, it would grant this authority to the Department of Environmental Quality.
The DEQ in Virginia is the only authority that allows citizen boards to make decisions about which permits to issue. Business groups were angered when one of the boards refused to issue a permit related to the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board rejected an air quality permit to allow a natural gas compressor station to be connected to the controversial pipeline. The pipeline would transport natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia. Facing lawsuitsIt is a move to stop it. The vote was about a pipeline extension to North Carolina.
People are also reading…
The legislation would have an impact on the Virginia State Water Control Board, State Air Pollution Control Board and Virginia Waste Management Board.
Sen. Richard Stuart (R-King George), the bills patron, stated that the boards would keep their focus on policy and regulations, and continue to hold full hearings and receive public comment. The legislation allows DEQ to make key environmental permits and not citizens.
The Senate, which Democrats control 21-19 without Democratic support, is unable to pass anything by the Republicans. Dick Saslaw (D-Fairfax), was one of the 13 Democrats who supported Stuart’s bill. The Senate approved the bill 32-8. Similar bills are currently pending in the House of Delegates.
Monty Mason (D-Williamsburg) was one of the Democrats that backed Stuarts bill.
It is important to mention that they [citizens]Mason stated in an interview that the agency will still have regulatory and policy authority. When it comes down to issuing a permit, this is what Mason said in an interview.
He mentioned the Mountain Valley Pipeline compressor-station permit denial by the Air Board, but said that the bill wasn’t a reaction to any specific event.
Mason also stated that he has no position on Mountain Valley Pipeline.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation stated that the legislation would make Virginia more environmentally friendly.
The December vote of the air boards to deny the compressor station permit was the only instance in 20 years when he voted against DEQ. According to Kenny Fletcher who is the foundations Virginia communications coordinator.
Peggy Sanner, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive director, stated that citizen boards allow Virginians to have meaningful input in shaping rules that protect our air, water and lands.
Wild Virginia, an environmental group, had also tried to convince the Senate that civilian oversight boards have value.
Del. Rob Bloxom (R-Accomack) is the sponsor of a bill in Congress.
He stated at a hearing earlier in the month that the governor appointed the citizens to the boards, which he said changed philosophies more than business likes. He called the boards a stumblingblock to permits being issued.
