Missouri bill targeting DNR clears House committee

Supporters say the changes are needed to rein in an aggressive Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

From Missouri Independent –

A Missouri House committee advanced a sweeping bill environmentalists say would hamper the state’s ability to enforce clean air and water laws. But several amendment votes could undermine the bill’s prospects in the Senate. 

The House Emerging Issues Committee voted 7-4 Wednesday in favor of a bill that places various limitations on Missouri’s environmental regulators and removes three counties near St. Louis from a federal air quality program, an action that could cost the state $52 million in lost federal proceeds. 

Supporters of Senate Bill 40, sponsored by Sen. Eric Burlison, R-Battlefield, argue the legislation is necessary to rein in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which they say has been harmful to businesses. 

Among its provisions, the bill revokes the authority of several environmental commissions to set permit fees and bars the state from imposing stricter regulations regarding hazardous waste than those set by the Environmental Protection Agency. It also requires DNR to provide detailed information in writing before fining a business and keeps some records about violations confidential. 

Burlison said he spoke with businesses in his community that are terrified to hear from DNR and fear being shut down. 

“This is not how our citizens should feel when someone from their own government appears on their doorstep,” Burlison told a House committee last month.