Some worried new bills could weaken state environmental law

House committees heard testimony Thursday about a group of bills that some worry could weaken state environmental law, while others say they’re necessary to spur development.

Chapter 343 is the cornerstone of state environmental review law that governs impacts and assessments.

Bills moving through the legislature would exempt more projects from 343 review even when on public land that may have engandered species, burial, view plane and other features.

"Unless you take an honest look at these areas and do the review, you take a chance on losing these important resources," says Gary Hooser of the Office of Environmental Quality Control. "If an action, if a construction process truly has no environmental impacts, it can be easily exempted."

The Office of Environmental Quality Control says the EIS process can still be streamlined so as not to hinder development timelines, while still protecting public interests.

See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories

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