Opponents contended the bill would create regulatory uncertainty by causing federal and state laws to contradict.
Senate Bill 8 sponsored by a group of Democrat senators and representatives was intended to alter language in state statutes that require any state environmental regulations by “no more’ stringent than federal requirements.
SB 8 was passed by the House Judiciary Committee on an 8-4 vote and could be heard next on the House Floor.
It would amend both the state’s Air Quality and Hazardous Waste acts to allow the state or local agencies to adopt stricter requirements under the laws for air or hazardous waste pollution.