DIRECTOR'S CORNER
ECOS: DEQ on the national scene
DEQ Director David K. Paylor
The Environmental Council of the States is the recognized voice of state environmental managers in the country. When these leaders come to a consensus, it sends a powerful message. For 13 years, ECOS has used its influence to improve the ability of states to protect the environment, and Virginia has been a strong supporter of the association.
ECOS is an association of state and territorial environmental agency leaders, and facilitates the relationship between the agencies and the federal government. The Department of Environmental Quality works with ECOS by participating on committees and in workgroups, and holding leadership positions.
Two topics – the federal budget and regulatory flexibility – have remained at the forefront of the association’s efforts. These issues address the ability of the states to implement laws and regulations that protect the environment, and the degree to which this effort can be effectively achieved.
Most of the work to implement federal environmental laws is conducted by the states with grant support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consequently, cuts to EPA’s budget have a significant effect on states, and ECOS has worked diligently to convey this message to members of the U.S. Congress.
EPA’s 2006 - 2011 strategic plan will be final in September, and the agency’s budget, which is derived from the strategic plan, is currently being discussed in Congress. This year ECOS was invited to comment on the EPA’s strategic plan and, for the first time, the agency’s budget. ECOS has given suggestions about where budget cuts would have the least negative effect and has encouraged Congress to fund core programs first.
While the results of this effort remain to be seen, ECOS members will continue to champion the states’ desire to give input on these important budgetary matters by testifying before Congress and working with a newly appointed ombudsman at EPA for ECOS.
ECOS has also focused on introducing more flexibility into regulations, which is important for states to function efficiently. Through the Cross-Media Committee, ECOS has been working with EPA to develop a framework to encourage innovation through regulatory flexibility while continuing to protect the environment.
Regulatory flexibility and innovation may lead to increased benefits to the environment, and International Paper’s Franklin Pulp Mill is a prime example of this in Virginia.
In April 2006 International Paper began operating under a permit that allowed the Franklin facility to meet emissions reductions required by the pulp and paper maximum achievable control technology standard in ways that were different, but more efficient, than those required by the standard. By working with EPA, DEQ and the Air Pollution Control Board to achieve flexibility in meeting the regulatory requirements, the company was able to reduce emissions to levels lower than what were required.
DEQ estimates that International Paper will reduce hazardous air pollutants by 52 tons per year more that what was necessary. Six additional environmentally beneficial projects proposed by the company that were not required will also reduce waste and conserve ground water among other benefits, helping both the environment and the facility.
Bringing this type of flexibility to the national level would significantly multiply the additional benefits that result from using innovative ideas to achieve pollution reduction goals. Regulatory flexibility would also give states the ability to maximize limited resources, set priorities for environmental issues, and address regional or state concerns.
As efforts continue on these topics and others, DEQ will remain committed to working with ECOS to achieve better results for the environment. More information about ECOS is available online at www.ecos.org.
DEQ Director David K. Paylor is the ECOS Secretary Treasurer and the Chair of the Cross-Media Committee.