DENNIS – The Association to Preserve Cape Cod is asking residents to reach out to local representatives to stop a bill moving through the House which it says could negatively impact water quality.
The bill, H.2777, from Governor Charlie Baker would give the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection the final word over National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, which are co-issued with the U.S. Environemtal Protection Agency.
Currently the EPA regulates water pollution permits granted to polluters.
The Association says the final say on permitting should remain with the EPA because the state has a poor track record with funding water programs and is not properly staffed.
The nonprofit environmental advocacy and education organization, which works to preserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of Cape Cod, is asking residents to contact the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agricultre to tell them to oppose the bill. Sen. Anne Gobi is the Senate Chair of the committee and can be reached at 617-722-1540. Rep. William Pignatelli is the House chair of the committee and can be reached at 617-722-2210.
The Legislature has until March 10 to make a decision on the bill.
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