HCS HB 1277 -- HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

SPONSOR:  Townley

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 18 to 0.

Beginning July 1, 2004, this substitute requires a joint
committee appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President Pro Tem of the Senate to
consider proposals for restructuring the fees paid by hazardous
waste generators and hazardous waste facilities.  The committee
will consider options for expanding the fee structure to more
fairly apportion the cost of services provided among those that
benefit from the services.  The committee will submit a report
with its recommendations for changes to the Governor, the House
of Representatives, and the Senate no later than December 31,
2004.

The substitute also allows Missouri treatment, storage, and
disposal facilities that receive hazardous material from
out-of-state generators to submit registration and reporting
information in a format prescribed by the Department of Natural
Resources describing the types and quantities of hazardous waste
received from the out-of-state generator.  As long as the
facility submits this information to the department, the
out-of-state generator will not be required to do so.  The
facility is also responsible for paying all fees and taxes on
behalf of the out-of-state generator.

The substitute revises the percent amounts on the two funds
regarding moneys collected or received by the department.  Forty
percent will go to the Hazardous Waste Remedial Fund, and 60%
will go to the Hazardous Waste Fund.  This fee will expire
June 30, 2006, except that the department will levy and collect
this fee for any hazardous waste generated prior to the date and
reported to the department.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2005, FY
2006, and FY 2007.   Estimated Income on Other State Funds of
$1,250,000 in FY 2005, $2,500,000 in FY 2006, and $0 in FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that extending the fees will prevent
the federal Environmental Protection Agency from taking over the
program.  The changes regarding out-of-state generators will help
Missouri firms deal with the paperwork and keep them competitive.
The hazardous waste program generates $2.6 million that leverages
about $5.6 million in federal funds.  The hazardous waste
revenues are spent responsibly and only for hazardous waste
management.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Townley; Continental
Cement; Department of Natural Resources; Associated Industries of
Missouri; Mining Industry Council of Missouri; Chemistry Council
of Missouri; Missouri Concrete Association; BP - Amoco; and
Hazardous Waste Management Commission.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Marc Webb, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:15 am