CBIA E2 Members, Legislative Chairs Discuss Regulatory Reform

Legislative leaders engaged in a wide-ranging dialogue about energy costs and Connecticut’s regulatory climate at CBIA’s E2: Energy & Environment Council annual legislative forum.
During the Jan. 20 meeting, co-chairs of the legislature’s Energy and Technology and Environment committees asked E2 members to provide specific policy ideas to address business concerns.

The two committees, along with the Government Administration and Elections Committee, will now consider the following seven proposals that emerged from the forum.

High-Priority Regulatory Concerns at DEEP

Requires DEEP to annually ask businesses to identify up to three high-priority regulatory concerns that require modification, or repeal of existing regulations, meet with affected businesses, and report to the Environment Committee and the Regulations Review Committee on its plans, if any, to address them.

Updating Hazardous Waste Rules

Requires DEEP to revise its hazardous waste generator regulations to be consistent with the latest (2016) federal rule.
Any proposed changes to the federal rule would have to be identified and justified as required by current state law.

Fostering Consistency and Predictability in Administering Environmental Laws and Regulations

Requires DEEP to establish a website featuring guidance documents, policy statements and staff interpretations of laws, regulations, or permitting requirements in a searchable format.

Impact of Energy Bills on Electric Ratepayers

Requires that prior to having a vote in the House or Senate on any bill approved by the Energy and Technology Committee, the Office of Legislative Research must consult with the Office of Consumer Counsel and DEEP and determine whether the proposal is more likely to increase, decrease, or not impact electric ratepayer bills.

Comprehensive Energy Strategy

Requires future versions of the state’s three-year Comprehensive Energy Strategy to include an assessment of progress in reducing electricity and other energy costs relative to other New England states.

First-Time Penalty Waivers

Requires state agencies to waive penalties for certain first-time violations.

Regulatory Clarity

Requires that proposed regulations include a plain-language description or flow chart explaining what types of businesses or business activities would be within the scope, along with a summary of key compliance requirements.
CBIA greatly appreciates the time these committee leaders took from their schedules to meet and have a substantive discussion with our E2 members.
We look forward to continuing to work with these and all legislators in getting these measures considered and passed.

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Eric Brown (860.244.1926) | @CBIAericb