Whereas, the Board of Environmental Protection is a citizen board whose members are not compensated for their time, and it is the intent of the Legislature that the board remain a citizen board; and

Whereas, environmental laws, rules and policies have become increasingly complex and the amount of work required of the Board of Environmental Protection has grown with this increasing complexity; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Board of Environmental Protection review. Resolved: That the Board of Environmental Protection shall review and assess its responsibilities and duties as established by the Legislature in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, section 341-D. The board may include in its review and assessment a review of specific programs or program functions it believes would be more appropriately handled by another entity. In conducting its review, the board shall seek comment from former board members, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the regulated community and the public; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Board of Environmental Protection shall report its findings and recommendations, including any recommended changes to the board's responsibilities and duties or to any aspect of the implementation of those responsibilities and duties, to the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources by January 15, 2006. The board shall include in its report any proposed legislation necessary to implement its recommendations; and be it further

Sec. 3. Staff support. Resolved: That the Board of Environmental Protection's executive analyst and administrative assistant shall provide staff support for the review within the board's current operating budget.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Board of Environmental Protection to review its responsibilities as set forth in statute and to report back to the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources on any recommended changes by January 15, 2006.