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2001 SESSION

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HB 2796 Natural Resources Policy Act; created.

Introduced by: Jerrauld C. Jones | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Virginia Natural Resources Policy Act. Creates the Virginia Natural Resources Policy Act. The Act repeals the existing Environmental Impact Statement review process (which applies to state projects using $100,000 in state funds) and replaces it with a natural resource impact review process, which applies to actions utilizing $500,000 or more of state-provided funds for the acquisition of an interest in land; for the construction of any new facility; or for the improvement, expansion, support or maintenance of an existing facility. Policies against which such actions are to be judged are described in the bill. State agencies are required to submit environmental impact reports on major state projects to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ has 60 days to review and provide an analysis of all reports and send the Governor a summary of their analysis. The analysis would include a finding on whether the major state project adequately protects the state's natural resources and its investment in them. The State Comptroller is not permitted to release funds for a major project unless he receives written approval from the Governor after he has reviewed DEQ's environment impact analysis of the project. The members of the Governor's cabinet are to meet at least quarterly to review each agency's programs, policies and major initiatives. The purpose of these meetings is to (i) identify conflicts with natural resource preservation efforts, (ii) evaluate the natural resources benefits and burdens of the various programs, policies and initiatives, (iii) identify planning, coordination and policies that preserve and protect the state's natural resources, and (iv) review the environmental impact reports. The Secretary of Natural Resources, who chairs the cabinet meetings, is required to prepare and publish an annual report that includes summaries of the meetings and any actions taken or conclusions reached concerning the environmental impact reports. Highway or road projects are exempted from the act.


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