Bill > S0223

This bill establishes a Water Quality, Lake Classification, and Antidegradation Study Group, comprised of legislators, state agency representatives, business and industry representatives, environmental advocates, and a representative from the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds, to review Vermont's current laws and regulations concerning water quality and how different bodies of water are classified. The group will assess if these existing frameworks are sufficient to protect water quality and public interests, considering federal requirements like the Clean Water Act and its antidegradation policy, which aims to prevent the degradation of existing water quality. The Study Group will also examine threats to water quality, evaluate the adequacy of regulations for high-quality waters (like Class A waters), and consider if changes are needed to the state's water classification system for rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds to improve ecological health. They are tasked with providing recommendations for legislative changes and revisions to rules and policies to the General Assembly by January 15, 2027, with the Study Group ceasing to exist on February 1, 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.223