BOSTON (AP) - The Latest on Gov. Charlie Bakers effort to give Massachusetts greater control of the state’s water supply (all times local):
1:45 p.m.
Gov. Charlie Baker says Massachusetts should have greater control over its water supply.
The Republican filed a bill Wednesday to let the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection administer a water quality protection program run by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Massachusetts is just one of four states - along with New Hampshire, Idaho and New Mexico - that still rely directly on the EPA to run the program, which regulates public and private discharges of wastewater and storm water.
Baker says his proposal will give the state direct oversight of water quality monitoring, assessment, and water quality standards programs.
Some environmental activists question whether the state will commit the money needed to take responsibility for the program.
Baker says the state would spend $4.7 million annually to maintain the program.
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2:25 a.m.
Gov. Charlie Baker is pushing legislation he says will give Massachusetts greater control over protecting the state’s water supply.
The bill, which will be filed Wednesday, would let the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection administer a federal water quality protection program run by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Massachusetts is just one of four states - along with New Hampshire, Idaho and New Mexico - that still rely directly on the federal government to run the program.
Known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the program regulates public and private discharges of wastewater and storm water.
Baker says his proposal will give the state direct oversight of water quality monitoring, assessment, and water quality standards programs.
The Republican governor has proposed spending $1.4 million to begin making the switch.
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