2005 SB 221 Environmental Civil Penalties Limits
- CVNM Position:
- Oppose
- Year:
- 2005
- Sponsors:
-
Stuart Ingle
- Topics:
- Air Quality
Land
Water - Legislative Info:
- SB 221 on nmlegis.gov »
Description
A state’s environmental regulations are only as effective as the ability of the agencies to enforce them. Senate Bill 221 would have devastated the Environment Department’s capacity for enforcing New Mexico’s environmental standards by placing a $250,000 cap on fines for breaking environmental laws, no matter how egregious the offense. Furthermore, the agency would not be able to assess penalties on violators more than 2 years after the offense, thereby encouraging polluters to cover up violations in order to avoid the penalties.
Outcome
Passed Senate, but defeated in the House.
How Legislators Voted on SB 221
- = Pro Conservation Vote
- = Anti Conservation Vote
- A = Absent
- E = Excused
- R = Recused
- W = Abstain