MINUTES OF THE Subcommittee of the

SENATE committee on Natural Resources

 

Seventy-First Session

April 13, 2001

 

 

The Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Natural Resourceswas called to order by Chairman Mark A. James, at 2:40 p.m., on Friday, April 13, 2001, in Room 2144 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada.  Exhibit A is the Agenda.  Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster.  All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

 

SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

Senator Mark A. James

Senator Mike McGinness

Senator Raymond C. Shaffer

 

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

Fred W. Welden, Committee Policy Analyst

Heather Miller, Committee Secretary

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

Robert E. Lyle, Lobbyist, Nevada Trial Lawyers Association

Cheryl Blomstrom, Lobbyist, Nevada Chapter, Associated General Contractors

 

Senator James opened the hearing on Senate Bill (S.B.) 90.

 

SENATE BILL 90:  Exempts certain persons who hold operating permits for certain sources of emissions of air contaminants from imposition of certain penalties under certain circumstances. (BDR 40-883)

 

Robert E. Lyle, Lobbyist, Nevada Trial Lawyers Association, testified in opposition to S.B. 90.  He said air quality was an important issue, but, at present, there are very few citations or fines given in this state for violations.  He stated these fines, when given, are still cheaper than complying with the law by buying water trucks. 

 

Senator James commented this is changing somewhat, and legislation is currently being considered to help remedy the compliance problem. 

 

Mr. Lyle continued, stating S.B. 90 does not strengthen the legislation, nor does it address any problem being faced by the regulators in terms of meeting air quality. 

 

Cheryl Blomstrom, Lobbyist, Nevada Chapter, Associated General Contractors (AGC), testified in support of S.B. 90, stating the AGC is not fighting compliance to the air quality regulations, but is asking for more reasonable penalties. 

 

Senator James voiced his concerns over the language in S.B. 90 to Ms. Blomstrom.  Ms. Blomstrom offered to withdraw the bill and its amendments and work with the Division of Environmental Protection on some new language.  Senator James responded that course of action was preferable. 

 

Senator James adjourned the subcommittee at 2:46 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                        RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

 

 

 

Heather Miller,

Committee Secretary

 

 

APPROVED BY:

 

 

 

                       

Senator Dean A. Rhoads, Chairman

 

 

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