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DEL.ICIO.USBlogwatch: A bill to exempt the state’s biggest polluter from fines
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On his blog, Dale Russell with WAGA (Fox5) writes today about S.B. 420, sponsored by state Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville), which would exempt the state Department of Transportation from fines when the agency violates state laws governing pollution and erosion control.
Writes Russell: “I can’t say for sure, but I wonder if this bill is in response to a story we did last year.”
Russell labeled the DOT the state’s single biggest polluter, with 11 consent orders filed against the agency, and fines of more than $400,000. His blog will guide you to the video.
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Comments
By Bobby Kahn
February 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
The DOT was put under laws governing business a few years ago. Seemed like a pro-business action at the time. If business has to comply, so should government. But then, we are in a world where the House Speaker doesn’t have to comply with divorce laws, so why should the DOT comply with laws regarding the environment?
By cnote
February 12, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
It’s kind of hard for the state to fine a state agency, unless you deduct the money from their paychecks. It’s taxpayers fining themselves.
By Billy Bob
February 13, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
DOT already exampts itself so this is nothing new. They routinly ignore compliance with existing laws and the republican government assures there is not accountability by the state for environmental damages created by DOT. Simply put the state does not police itself
Its time for the Feds to take away EPD’s authority to enforce federal clean water laws in GA and put it back in the hands of federal agencies that at least on occaision might jail a few polluting violators like DOT.