Permit Fee Study (language only)

Item 376 #1c

Language
Page 290, line 8, before "The", insert "A.".
Page 290, after line 25, insert:
"B.1.  The Secretary of Natural Resources shall develop a long-term plan to adequately fund the water, waste and hazardous waste regulatory programs in the Department of Environmental Quality.  In developing the plan, the Secretary shall seek input from representatives from local governments, private sector organizations and the public.  The plan's objective is to develop a financial strategy for the programs that will protect the public and maintain state primacy in environmental matters delegated to Virginia by the federal government.  The plan shall address, but not be limited to these factors: (1) the likelihood of additional general fund resources for environmental activities; (2) projected workloads in the various environmental regulatory programs; (3) cost containment strategies in regulatory management through increased reliance upon technology; and (4) changes to federal environmental policies and funding practices.  An interim status report shall be submitted to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committees, and House Appropriations and House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committees by December 6, 2002.  The final plan shall be submitted by November 14, 2003.
2.  In developing the plan, the Secretary shall cooperate with the House Appropriations, House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, Senate Finance, and Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committees.  The Committees shall make periodic inquiries on the progress and content of the plan."

Explanation
(This amendment directs the Secretary of Natural Resources to develop a funding plan for the General Assembly that ensures state primacy in environmental programs delegated by the federal government to Virginia.)