House Interim Committee on Environmental
Regulation
Charge
Study current policy relating to the regulation of radioactive
waste, including conflicts between the federal and state regulatory
definitions of radioactive waste, including conflicts between
the federal and state regulatory definitions of radioactive waste,
the statutory authorization for mixed waste disposal; and Congress'
ratification of the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact.
Recommendations
Change the federal and state
regulating definitions of radioactive waste in the Health and
Safety Code, using the language contained in the interim committee
report as a basis.
Require all agencies involved
in regulating radioactive waste to avail themselves of the recommendations
and advice of the Texas Radiation Advisory Board share equitably
in providing funding for the board.
Charge
Review the need for funding the Municipal Solid Waste Superfund
for the specific purpose of addressing closed landfills that pose
a threat to public health and safety.
Recommendations
Continue to investigate and
prioritize landfills which are potential health hazards, and provide
funds to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)
for document reviews and prioritization of closed landfill remediation.
Require TNRCC and the Councils
of Government to work together to identify sites in need of immediate
enforcement attention and prevent unsafe disposal. Provide laws
for adequate enforcement to stop illegal and unpermitted disposal.
Appropriate $5 million from
the Municipal Solid Waste fund to create a special contingency
fund to address emergency situations at closed landfills that
represent a threat to public health and safety.
Appropriate $650,000 from
the Municipal Solid Waste fund to TNRCC to enhance permitting,
inspection, and enforcement capabilities.
Expand the Voluntary Cleanup
Program to provide incentives for the private sector to remediate
closed landfills which pose problems.
Charge
Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Recommendations
Continue working with the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reach an amicable agreement
in obtaining delegation of all federal programs. Only change
state law if the EPA can assert that a legally defensible conflict
between federal and state law exists.
Expand the Voluntary Cleanup
Program in order to maximize the full potential of the program.
Abolish the Pollution Prevention
Council.
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