Lawmakers Seek Input on Potential Environmental Bills

Two bipartisan legislative committees that focus on environmental policy issues are seeking comments from the public on legislation they are considering introducing during the 2011 session.

The Water Policy Interim Committee is accepting comments by Aug. 30 on the following proposed bills:

• LC 8002: regarding public use of the beds of navigable rivers.
• LC 9004: would change regulations regarding sewer systems in new subdivisions.
• LC 9005: would clarify that counties may require public water and sewer systems in new subdivisions.
• LC 9002: would address the use of water for mitigation and aquifer recharge related to new groundwater appropriations.
• LC 9999: would allow a district court judge discretion in awarding attorney fees and court costs in water-related cases appealed to district court.

Drafts of these proposed bills are available for review at www.leg.mt.gov/water. Comments should be directed to Joe Kolman, committee staff, at jkolman@mt.gov or Legislative Environmental Policy Office, attn: Joe Kolman, P.O. Box 201704, Helena MT 59620-1704

The Environmental Quality Council is seeking comments by Aug. 27 on:

• LC 7010: a proposed bill that would authorize the use of mixing zones in the remediation and closure of petroleum tank release sites.

A copy of the draft bill is available at www.leg.mt.gov/eqc. Comments should be directed to Hope Stockwell, council staff, at hstockwell@mt.gov or Legislative Environmental Policy Office, attn: Hope Stockwell, P.O. Box 201704, Helena MT 59620-1704.

The EQC also is considering LC 8002 on the public use of riverbeds and is accepting public comment on it. Comments on this bill draft may be sent to either committee; they will be shared with members of both.

For further information, contact the Legislative Environmental Policy Office at 406-444-3742.