Download PDF
Senate Bill 84 has been introduced by Senator Blake Johnson of Corning and Representative DeAnn Vaught of Horatio prohibiting moratoriums in watersheds and other bodies of water.
An additional section would be added to Arkansas Code Title 15, Chapter 23, Subchapter 1, which prohibits any state agency including the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment from instituting a moratorium on the issuance of permits in watersheds. The language specifically references the Buffalo River Watershed.
An exception is provided if the agency obtains approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council.
Language in the Bill also specifies that existing moratoriums such as the one applicable to the Buffalo River Watershed are unenforceable on the effective date of the Act. A moratorium is currently in place prohibiting certain swine facilities (i.e., concentrated animal feeding operations) in the Buffalo River Watershed.
Senate Bill 84 has been referred to the Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee.
A copy of Senate Bill 84 can be downloaded here.
