February 2022 Newsletter Check out all our latest updates |
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Promoting and defending the interests of Virginia's water and waste authorities |
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Virginia General Assembly is Underway The General Assembly convened on January 12 for its 60-day session. Legislators have filed more than 2,400 bills and resolutions. House and Senate members must complete action on bills and resolutions in their respective chambers by February 15, the session’s mid-point, with those passing being sent to the opposite body for consideration. The House and Senate will release and vote on their respective versions of the state budget by February 20. A reconciled FY 22-24 state budget is expected to be voted on in early March. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on March 12. Legislators will return to Richmond for its one-day Reconvened Session on April 27, when it will consider any amendments or vetoes proposed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. |
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Bills Introduced toRestrict Utility Service Disconnects Several bills have been introduced that would limit authorities and municipal utilities’ ability to disconnect customers for failing to pay for services. House Bill 841 and House Bill 1054 would prohibit electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities (and, according to HB 1054, telecommunications services) from disconnecting residential customers from service for nonpayment during declared states of emergency or disasters. House Bill 1052 would prohibit public utilities from charging residential customers late payment fees exceeding 2.5% or $5, whichever is less, or interest. And House Bill 664 would require the SCC to regulate when public utilities must exempt service disconnections to a residential customers with a serious medical condition and is experiencing related financial hardship. Some bills apply only to utilities under the State Corporation Commission’s jurisdiction; others have broader application. Negotiations are underway. Each of these bills is technical and nuanced. Further reading is required. And all bills are subject to change. |
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PFAS-related Bills Filed Two bills have been introduced regarding PFAS. House Bill 1011 directs the Commissioner of Health to convene a workgroup to study the occurrence of PFAS substances in drinking water. House Bill 919 would require any Board of Health-adopted regulations establishing a PFAS-related state Maximum Contaminant Level to become effective on or after July 1, 2025, in order to give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency more time to establish a nationwide MCL. Each of these bills is technical and nuanced. Negotiations are underway. Further reading is required. And all bills are subject to change. |
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New Directors Named at DEQ, VDH, DPOR, DHCD Gov. Youngkin has appointed a few new agency directors. Department of Environmental Quality Mike Rolband, PE Virginia Department of Health Colin Greene, MD (Acting Health Commissioner) Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Demetrios “Mitch” Melis Department of Housing and Community Development Bryan Horn |
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