April, 2012

HB 4207: Prohibit Issuance of Residential Waste Burning Rules

As introduced, HB 4207 prohibits the Department of Environmental Quality from creating rules to restrict residential burning of waste. Burning of residential waste puts toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the air such as dioxins, which are highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones, and release notable levels of known carcinogens.

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SB 967: Allow Designation of Highway Lanes for Public Transit

Senate Bill 967 allows the Department to designate certain lanes of streets or highways exclusively for public transit (with the exception of emergency vehicles). By encouraging the use of public transportation, this bill will aid in reducing carbon emissions and decreasing highway congestion. In order make these lanes efficient and designate them effectively, the Department will be required to contract with a regional transit authority.

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