Environmental Regulator Consolidation Considered

In an effort to simplify regulatory issues and improve operations at two state agencies, lawmakers will soon consider consolidation of Oklahoma's major environmental regulators. State Rep. Dale DeWitt, who requested the interim study, said there are good reasons to consider combining the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. "It's clear the two agencies have similar duties," said DeWitt, a Braman Republican who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee. "Consolidation could streamline the environmental permitting process for Oklahomans and also maximize state and federal dollars used to protect our environment."

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