Archive: Environmental Health

  • Resolution in Support of the Keystone XL Pipeline February 1, 2014

    WHEREAS, The United States relies – and will continue to rely for many years – on gasoline, diesel and jet fuel despite the recent focus on renewable and alternative sources of energy, and WHEREAS, In order to fuel our economy, the United States will need more oil and natural gas while also requiring additional alternative energy sources. WHEREAS, The United States currently depends on foreign imports for more than half of its  petroleum usage, and is the largest consumer of petroleum in the world,  U.S. dependence on overseas oil has created difficult geopolitical relationships with potentially damaging consequences for our […]

  • Resolution Opposing EPA’s Regulatory Train Wreck March 15, 2013

    WHEREAS:  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed or is proposing numerous new regulations, particularly in the area of air quality and regulation of greenhouse gases, that are likely to have major effects on the economy, jobs and U.S. competitiveness in worldwide markets;  WHEREAS:   EPA’s regulatory activity as to air quality and greenhouse gases has become known as the “train wreck,” because of the numerous and overlapping requirements and because of the potentially devastating consequences this regulatory activity may have on the economy; WHEREAS:  Concern is growing that, with cap-and-trade legislation having failed in Congress, EPA is attempting […]

  • Policy Statement on Alternative Fuels March 15, 2013

    The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) resolves that government should not mandate what type of motor vehicle or fuel is best.  Instead, it should set reasonable emission performance standards and allow the private sector flexibility to develop vehicles and fuels which will meet these standards at an acceptable cost and with satisfactory vehicle performance.  ALEC believes that any alternative fuel used should be environmentally cleaner than the fossil fuel that it will replace.  There are concerns currently with the production of formaldehyde emissions from methanol fuels, and ALEC strongly feels that these environmental concerns should be fully studied. ALEC believes […]

  • Limited Immunity for Persons Responding to Oil Spills Act March 15, 2013

    Summary  ALEC’s model Limited Immunity for Person’s Responding to Oil Spills Act is designed to improve the nation’s ability to respond to large oil spills in coastal and tidal areas through reducing risk of liability for persons responding to oil spills. Model Legislation {Title, enacting clause, etc.} Section 1. {Short Title.} This act shall be known and may be cited as the Limited Immunity for Persons Responding to Oil Spills Act. Section 2. {Definitions.} The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: […]

  • Environmental Priorities Act March 15, 2013

    Intent The legislature finds that there are a variety of current and potential environmental restoration projects, regulations and programs that would benefit the health of the environment, reduce pollution and improve the lifestyle and well-being of state residents. Support for these projects or regulations will help leave a legacy of environmental stewardship to future generations and improve the quality of life for current residents. The legislature additionally finds that state funding is limited and ensuring the most effective use of those limited funds is not only responsible use of taxpayer funds but also provides the greatest environmental benefit. The legislature […]

  • The Private Property Protection Act March 15, 2013

    Summary ALEC’s model Private Property Protection Act is designed to ensure property owner rights as established under the 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution through the establishment of reasonable standards for takings and a method of relief for landowners whose rights have been taken by excess regulation. Key components of the bill include: a definition of regulatory takings, governmental compensations for property rights infringement, inverse condemnation procedures, regulatory rollback procedures, legal challenges and tax adjustments. Model Legislation {Title, enacting clause, etc.] Section 1. {Short Title.} This act shall be known and may be cited as the Private Property Protection […]

  • Resolution in Support of Proper Timber Harvesting as a Management Tool to Ensure Better Forest Health March 15, 2013

    WHEREAS, the health of the national forests and the economies of rural communities area at risk as a result of national forest management practices; WHEREAS, the threat of wildfire, insects, and disease endangers the health, happiness and well-being of American citizens; WHEREAS, timber programs on the national forests in many western states have been almost completely eliminated; WHEREAS, the proper use of timber harvest as a management tool can effectively contribute to increased watershed flows; WHEREAS, the proper use of timber harvest as a management took can help reduce dangerously high levels of fuels which contribute to the potential for […]

  • Resolution on Best Available Control Technology FOR Coal-Based Electric Generation March 15, 2013

    WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will shortly begin regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the federal Clean Air Act; and WHEREAS, as a result of EPA’s action, major new sources of electric generation will be mandated to obtain Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits setting forth Best Available Control Technology requirements for greenhouse gases; and WHEREAS, major uncertainty exists because trial technologies, such as carbon capture and sequestration or integrated gasification combined cycle power plants, which hold significant prospect to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are still years away from being proven to be economically practicable or commercially available; […]

  • Pollution Control or Abatement Flexibility Act March 15, 2013

    Summary The Pollution Control or Abatement Flexibility Act is designed to encourage the development and use of innovative technology that improves environmental protection. The Act would reduce regulatory burdens by letting a state environmental agency enter into a contract with a regulated entity allowing the alternative methods of compliance with a statute or state agency rule requiring the control or abatement of pollution. Key components include: requiring the alternative method to be at least as protective of the environment and the public health as the statute or agency rule that would otherwise apply, that the method not be inconsistent with […]

  • Resolution on U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Accountability March 15, 2013

    Whereas, in 2005, the United States Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement was created to encourage cities to reduce carbon emissions. Whereas, the announcement of the Agreement says “supporting mayors pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012” the levels included in the Kyoto Protocol. Whereas, emissions in the United States were 7 percent higher in 2009 than 1990. Whereas, only nine states achieved the carbon reductions called for in the Kyoto Protocol. Whereas, major cities, including Seattle which initiated the Climate Protection Agreement, have failed to meet the Kyoto targets. Whereas, more than […]