MississippiSB 24152026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality; amend certain sections concerning.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.

Permits required for air and water discharges

You must have a Permit Board permit or an approved exemption to build or run equipment that emits air pollution. Repairs to already‑permitted gear do not need a new permit. You also need a permit to discharge into state waters, build or change disposal systems, increase waste volume or strength, or open a new outlet. The board can set exemptions by rule. CAFOs may be exempted by rule, but swine CAFOs cannot be exempted from county rules in force on June 1, 1998.

Water-use permits renew every 10 years

A water-use permit can last up to 10 years. It ends automatically on its 10th anniversary unless you have a renewal application pending. The board must send certified-mail notice 6 months before that date and can reissue the permit unless continued use is against the public interest. You must renew every 10 years, even for permits based on prior rights. The board may change, end, or refuse to reissue a permit for good cause, but you get a hearing with a lawyer and witnesses. Cities, counties, and regulated utilities can get longer permits to match paying off initial water investments. Each water-use application costs $10.

Limits on new swine CAFO permits

The Permit Board cannot issue permits for new or expanded swine CAFOs dated before January 1, 2000, unless the application was filed before February 28, 1998. A narrow exemption exists for operations with an approved innovative waste system. No more than five permits may be issued or modified under that exemption.

Viability check for new wastewater outlets

If your new wastewater outlet also needs a Public Service Commission certificate, you must give financial and management information to the Public Utilities Staff. The Permit Board will not issue the permit until the Staff’s executive director certifies the system is financially and managerially viable. This applies beginning July 1, 2026.

Brownfield property sales need approval

Until the agency issues a “no further action” letter, selling or changing surface ownership of a brownfield site needs commission approval if the buyer will take on cleanup duties. The buyer and seller must show the buyer has the money, management, and technical skill to finish the work. The commission issues an order if those tests are met. The commission may let the executive director issue brownfield orders, and those decisions can be reviewed under state environmental‑appeal rules.

Environmental permit decisions and appeals updated

The Permit Board makes environmental permit decisions, and the DEQ executive director also serves the Permit Board. The board can let the director decide some permits, but not permits for commercial hazardous waste or municipal solid‑waste landfills or incinerators. The board may issue general permits or combine multiple permits for one facility. Hearings can be held in Hinds County, near the site, or online, and big hazardous‑waste and municipal solid‑waste permits require a public hearing. Interested parties have 30 days to request a formal hearing with subpoenas, oaths, and cross‑exams; the party calling witnesses pays per diem and mileage. Appeals go to chancery court within 20 days and require a $100–$500 cost bond; the permit does not pause unless the court orders it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brian Rhodes
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 168 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2026

Passed

Yes: 116 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2026