SB 446 - This act authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to establish a voluntary program of environmental management system agreements. An agreement shall reduce emissions or discharges of wastes below that required under current requirements or reduce environmental risk or increase compliance better than current requirements.

The Department shall develop a guidance document on the program. A participating applicant shall be regulated under the agreement, rather than under other environmental laws. The bill provides for public involvement in the development of each agreement. Agreements must be approved by December 31, 2001. Initial agreements may be renewed for five year periods by the Department.

OTTO FAJEN