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The legislative activity (June 2011) reported below was prepared by NECA’s intern as a service to those in the carwash industry. This special service is an example of what we can together that we cannot do individually. If you are not already a member of NECA, we invite you to join us.

MAINE
No new legislative updates

MASSACHUSETTS

SB 1846: An Act to Promote Livable Communities. This Bill requires greater coordination between local, state and federal agencies in order to promote environmental sustainability. It establishes a council for a sustainable commonwealth, which will review government expenditures and policy and suggest changes where necessary. Finally, it commits the state to a series of broad environmental goals and instructs state agencies to act in accordance to these objectives. Full text of the bill, along with its legislative history is available at http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/Senate/S01846

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The rulemaking process on Env-Wq 1708.10, which we reported on in March, has been held up and the Department of Environmental Services is still accepting written comments on the proposed change.

Env-Wq 1708.10 re: Significant Discharges: Alternatives Analysis/Economic-Social Importance
The proposed regulation establishes numerical and narrative water quality standards for surface waters in this state as required by RSA 485-A:8-13 and the Federal Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. Revisions to Env-Wq. 1708.10 is proposed to (1) clarify the review process for proposed new or modified activities that are determined (under existing Env-Wq 1708.09) to result in significant lowering of water quality; and (2) replace the incorporation of the “Interim Economic Guidance for Water Quality Standards” EPA- 823-B-95-002, dated March 1995 (“Interim Guidance”), which is used when demonstrating the importance of the economic or social impact of a significant discharge, with state-specific requirements for demonstrating that the economic or social development benefits of a proposed project outweigh the detriment to the environment that will be caused by the project. Revisions to Env-Wq 1708.12 are proposed to clarify the criteria that must be met for approval of new water transfers. The new changes are not expected to expand, alter or create any significant changes so as to require additional state expenditures though. Text of the regulation can be found at http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/legal/rulemaking/documents/env-wq1708amd-ip.pdf

RHODE ISLAND

SB 1057: An Act Relating to the City of Warwick –Sewer Authority This Act would direct and authorize the Warwick City Council to establish a new municipal sewer department to operate and manage sewer and sewer-related matters in the city of Warwick. The new department shall have the power to create additional charges and fines as well. Full text of the bill can be found at http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText11/SenateText11/S1057.pdf

HB 6234: An Act Relating To State Affairs and Government. This bill authorizes the Middletown Town Council to add certain census tracts and blocks for enterprise zone designation. Areas that are given enterprise zone status are than eligible for special tax exemptions and government improvement funds. Text of the bill, including additional information on ‘enterprise zone’ status is available at: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText11/HouseText11/H6234.pdf

VERMONT
No new legislative updates