Legislative Update - Rep. Leland Morgan

​Greetings:
   We are now at the time in the Legislature that is termed crossover. It is roughly the midpoint of the session when House and Senate bills must be reported out of committees and filed with the Secretary/Clerk so they can be placed on the calendar. This will give both the House and Senate time to consider each other’s bills and take action on them.  The exceptions to this crossover deadline include the general Appropriations bill, the Transportation Capital bill, the Capital Construction bill, and the Fee/Revenue bills.
   In my Committee, (Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife), we voted out a bill that relates to clean water.  This bill amends the Vermont Water Quality Standards to clarify that the same standards apply to wetlands and discharges to wetlands.   Wetlands serve to protect water quality and reduce the risk of flood hazards by temporarily storing floodwaters and storm runoff and slowly releasing water downstream.  
   Preserving, protecting, and restoring the water quality of surface waters, including wetlands, are necessary for clean water, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
   This bill has passed in the House and is now in the Senate for their consideration.

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