Bill > HB2426

This bill allows for more efficient handling of appeals to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB), which is an administrative body that hears appeals related to environmental permits and regulations. Specifically, it introduces new options for how these appeals can be heard, provided all parties involved agree and the PCHB unanimously approves. These options include having an administrative appeals judge, a member from the land use or shorelines hearings boards, or a single board member hear the case, all of whom must meet specific qualifications. The bill also amends existing law to clarify that these alternative hearing arrangements are exceptions to the general rule that a majority of the PCHB constitutes a quorum for making decisions, ensuring that the selection of these alternative compositions prioritizes the efficient use of administrative resources.