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March 26, 2003
During these trying times when our nation is at war, the tragic events will occupy the hearts and minds of us all. But as war proceeds, the rest of the world will not stand still. The state legislators are on Spring Break this week but will return on the 31st to cast critical votes that will have long-term environmental impacts. At times it seems we are powerless to have a positive impact on the world around us but opportunities for positive change at our state government are only a phone call away.
There is a definite move underway at the capitol to strong-arm the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) into submission. With the big stick threat of budget cuts, it appears both Departments are cowering to the purse strings of the legislators. I cannot believe the timid testimony and the disappointing positions that these departments are taking in order to protect their budget.
We all understand that you can’t enforce Missouri’s laws if you don’t have the personnel. But that is no reason to roll over and allow weak and ineffective legislation to become law. Truth be known, most environmental violations are not brought forward by the DNR inspectors; it is by citizens like you and me. Usually before any real action is taken to stop a polluting facility, the citizens have to raise hell, contact elected officials, department heads and expose the pollution in the media before any type of enforcement is taken. If the DNR fails to do their job, we then have to take them to court to insure that our laws and protections are upheld. The bottom line in environmental protection is that we have good environmental laws on the books.
Our environmental laws and citizen’s ability to participate in the process are what this “Newt Gingrich Like” leadership is attacking. We are currently opposing 23 bills that have a negative impact on our laws and/or a direct impact on the environment. Several bills have also been introduced to weaken or threaten MDC’s funding.
The past few weeks have confirmed that Missouri’s environmental protections are truly on the chopping block and Missouri citizens must be the ones to say ENOUGH!! We have a job to do here at home, to protect our laws that keep our beautiful Missouri environment and it’s citizens healthy. We must send a strong message to the Governor and our Legislators:
WE DO NOT WANT CURRENT PROTECIONS ON OUR HEALTH
AND ENVIRONMENT WEAKENED!!!
Spring Break offered a sort of reprieve in the onslaught of attacks on environment and conservation programs. The Legislators have gone back to their districts for Spring Break and will return on March 31st. The good news is that HB 215 the “NO STRICTER THAN FEDERAL” bill was not called for a vote before adjournment. This offers us a great opportunity to contact legislators while they are at home in their districts and to also fill their answering machines and mailboxes with phone calls and letters in opposition.
Call the Governor and your House Representative today and tell them to:
OPPOSE HCS HB 215!!
We do not want the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to pass rules and regulations that protect human health and the environment rolled back or weakened!
To access your legislators contact information use the legislator’s lookup link below, it will take you to their home page where you can find their capitol address and phone as well as their in-district contact information and email.
http://www.senate.state.mo.us/zipcode/leg_lookup.htm or write them at Missouri State Capital, Jefferson City, MO 65101
1) HCS HB 215, 218, 115 & 83 Sponsor Myers – “No Stricter Than Federal” Prohibits certain rules of the Department of Natural Resources from being stricter than federal regulations or current state regulations.
This bill will come up for a vote when the legislators return it is Number five House Bills for Perfection
- This bill is an unfunded mandate, meant to slow down or prevent new environmental regulations from being passed.
- The justification standard is nearly impossible to reach and makes environmental rules subject to different standards than other rules. No other department or agency is limited by such a standard.
- The ambiguity of this legislation is an attorney’s dream, pitting one expert against another, which could cost the state millions in litigation fees.
- Since the formation of the Department of Natural Resources nearly 30 years ago, all Missouri citizens have had the right to appeal decisions of the Department of Natural Resources. This legislation restricts this fundamental right to “directly affected parties” essentially to land owners. DNR regulations affect all areas of our lives; the air we breathe and the water we drink are not limited to land owners. Missouri citizens must retain this basic right.
- This bill further complicates DNR’s ability to adopt federal programs, which could result in the loss of state control and federal matching funds necessary for vital programs.
- Stopping this bill is a priority for the Environmental community.