Bill > H870

This bill introduces several new requirements for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in its interactions with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focusing on increasing legislative oversight and transparency. The legislation mandates that any memorandums of agreement (MOAs) between DEQ and EPA must be approved by a majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives before implementation, with the Governor required to transmit proposed agreements to legislative leaders for confirmation. The bill also requires DEQ to initiate discussions with EPA by October 1, 2025, to revise the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Memorandum of Agreement, with the goal of streamlining regulatory requirements, reducing unnecessary costs, minimizing project development delays, and improving administrative efficiency. Additionally, the bill requires DEQ to request that EPA consult with the department on proposed federal regulatory changes that might impact environmental program administration and mandates that DEQ submit copies of EPA agreements and associated funding information to the House Housing and Development Committee. The legislation includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found unconstitutional, the remainder of the act remains valid, and it becomes effective upon becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H870