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HB 2238

Relating to authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to water pollution control permit fee schedules

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2238 allows West Virginia's DEP to set updated water pollution control permit fees, impacting applicants and supporting environmental protection efforts.

Markup Discussion
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Bill Summary · HB 2238

Summary of House Bill 2238

Bill Number: HB 2238
Title: Relating to authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to water pollution control permit fee schedules
Status: Markup Discussion
Introduced: February 4, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2238 aims to authorize the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a legislative rule concerning water pollution control permit fee schedules. This bill is a response to the need for updated regulations that govern the fees associated with water pollution control permits, ensuring that they are in line with current environmental standards and practices.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization of Rule-Making: The bill specifically authorizes the DEP to promulgate a legislative rule that will outline the fee schedules for water pollution control permits.
  • Modification of Existing Rules: The bill references a legislative rule that was filed in the State Register on August 29, 2024, and subsequently modified to address concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This rule was refiled on November 21, 2024.
  • Implementation of Fee Schedules: The new fee schedules will be designed to reflect the costs associated with processing and managing water pollution control permits, which may include administrative costs, compliance monitoring, and enforcement.

Affected Parties

  • Department of Environmental Protection: The DEP will be directly responsible for implementing the new fee schedules and ensuring compliance with the legislative rule.
  • Permit Applicants: Individuals and businesses seeking water pollution control permits will be affected by the new fee structures, which may impact their operational costs.
  • Environmental Stakeholders: Various environmental groups and stakeholders may have an interest in the fee schedules as they relate to environmental protection efforts and funding for water quality initiatives.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on February 4, 2025, and is currently under markup discussion.
  • Committee Review: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works for further consideration.
  • Timeline: The legislative process for this bill includes discussions and potential amendments before it can be voted on by the full House.

Fiscal Impact

According to the fiscal note prepared by the Division of the Budget, both the Kansas Legislative Research Department and Legislative Administrative Services have indicated that the enactment of HB 2238 would have no fiscal effect. This suggests that the implementation of the new fee schedules is not expected to incur additional costs to the state budget.

This summary provides a clear overview of House Bill 2238, detailing its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural aspects, making it accessible for both experts and general readers interested in understanding the bill's implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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