Bill would set Clean Water Commission seats and conflict rules

The proposed section says the commission would have seven members: one knowledgeable about agriculture, one about industry or mining, one about publicly owned wastewater treatment works, and four representing the public. The proposed membership plan concerns the Clean Water Commission of the State of Missouri. Members appointed on or after August 28, 2002, must have water-quality knowledge and qualifications based on interest, education, training, or experience. The proposed section gives no separate start date for these membership provisions.

The proposed section says the governor could not appoint someone with a substantial interest in a business regulated, or potentially regulated, under the chapter. It also directs the commission to make rules for members to step aside over conflicts. These provisions concern the governor’s appointments and members of the Clean Water Commission. A conflict exists when a member can use the commission to gain a personal or professional benefit outside its authority. Any person may appeal an appointment on conflict grounds. Before a vote on a variance, appeal, or order, the commission would have to adopt a rule excluding any member with a conflict from that vote.

The proposed section says a member absent from four consecutive regular meetings would be treated as having resigned, and the vacancy would be filled under the section’s appointment rules. This provision applies to members of the Clean Water Commission. The rule applies regardless of the reason for the absences. The proposed section applies after four consecutive regular meetings are missed.