Action | Amend Parts I, II, and III of the Virginia Stormwater Management Program Permit Regulations to address water quality and quantity and local stormwater management program criteria. |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 8/21/2009 |
The DCR made it clear in their presentation that evening that they had no idea what the cost of their proposal would be nor if it would be effective. They also presented that the runoff of phosphorous from urban and suburban developments accounted for a very low percentage of the total chemical found in the rivers and bay. Its fairly clear to anyone who is paying attention that this initiative has virtually nothing to do with cleaning up the Bay and very much to do with stopping the spread of new developments. Yet, it will have the reverse effect, as some "environmental proponents" of the measure admitted; it will create more sprawl, not less.
This is a bad, bad bill.
However, if the proponents of the measure wish it to become law, please follow the course of action stipulated by the Virginia Constitution and have it sponsored by a state senator or representative, so that it can be properly researched, debated and acted upon. I realize that such a course of action is difficult and time consuming, but there's good reason for such deliberation. It's been effective for over 200 years.
It's a slippery slope when the Executive branch circumvents the Legislative branch in initiating and enacting laws that have such a deep and lasting effect on the Commonwealth. We must stand up for the course of action that our forefathers established for us. They paid with their lives.