MADISON – Multiple legislative proposals being advocated for by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) moved forward in the Assembly and Senate on Tuesday. In addition to the passage of the REINS Act in the Senate, WMC applauds the passage of Senate Bill 76 (High Capacity Wells) in the Assembly and Senate Bill 100 (Scope Statement Expiration) in the Senate.
WMC General Counsel & Director of Environmental and Energy Policy Lucas Vebber released the below statements following action in the Assembly and Senate:
Senate Bill 76
This bill streamlines the regulations faced by operators of high capacity wells, which are used by farmers and other businesses all across Wisconsin. This legislation would allow high capacity well owners to maintain, repair, replace and transfer ownership of their already permitted high capacity wells without having to go through another lengthy review process. The Assembly passed SB 76 on a 62-35 vote Tuesday night.
“For too long high capacity well owners have been subjected to an ever changing regulatory environment,” said Vebber. “Passage of this bill gives needed legal certainty for high capacity well owners in our state.”
Senate Bill 100
This bill ensures that state agencies are efficiently writing rules by creating an expiration date for scope statements – which inform the public that the rulemaking process has started. Under current law, scope statements do not expire and can give agencies authority on issues for an infinite amount of time. The Senate passed this bill on a voice vote on Tuesday afternoon.
“This legislation adds 30-month expiration dates to scope statements, ensuring agencies write regulations on a timeline,” said Vebber. “This bill adds oversight and will make our rulemaking process more efficient. Thanks to Senator Nass for authoring this key regulatory reform.”
Click here to see yesterday’s news release on the Senate’s passage of the REINS Act.
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For more information, contact:
Nick Novak, 608.258.3400
