DEP seeks to reform regulations

The Department of Environmental Protection has made a “Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at MassDEP” available for public comment on its website.

Since 2002, the DEP has seen its budget reduced by 25 percent and its personnel cut by 30 percent.

In response, the agency is attempting to institute new information technology upgrades, organizational restructuring, and streamlining of regulations.

Commissioner Kenneth Kimmel has assured the MMA that these reforms will not transfer new responsibilities to municipalities.

The draft regulations are available at www.mass.gov/dep/about/priorities/regreform.htm.

The DEP is hoping to have final regulatory changes in place by June 30, 2012.

Comments should be sent by Dec. 5 to MassDEP.Commissioner@state.ma.us or to Draft Regulatory Reform Action Plan, c/o Jakarta Childers, Commissioner’s Office, Department of Environmental Protection, 1 Winter St., 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02108.