A bill to enhance the services provided by the Environmental Protection Agency to small communities that are attempting to comply with national, State, and local environmental regulations.
Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a plan to increase the involvement of small communities in the regulatory review processes conducted under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, and title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.
Directs each EPA regional office to establish a Small Town Ombudsman Office to serve as an advocate for small communities and a facilitator for addressing small community concerns and programs. Requires the Offices to establish a regular, ongoing consultation process with small communities to involve them in the process of implementing, creating, and informing the public about environmental regulations, guidance, and policies and provide other appropriate assistance.
Directs the Offices to survey small communities every five years to provide information for use in regulatory planning, development, and outreach.
Requires the Administrator to distribute to small communities a guide to Federal environmental requirements for small communities.
Directs the Administrator to implement a plan for periodically obtaining feedback from small communities on the effectiveness of EPA in involving such communities in regulatory development and implementation and reaching out to such communities to provide educational and other assistance.
Authorizes appropriations.
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S14562-14563)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 106-965.
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