A JOINT RESOLUTION authorizing the legislative research commission to study issues relating to the environmental review, permitting, and mitigation process used in the construction or expansion of state highways.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission is authorized to study all issues relating to the environmental review, permitting, and mitigation process used in the construction or expansion of State highways.  The Commission may review the costs of the current lengthy environmental review process developed under Article 1 of Chapter 113A of the General Statutes and other environmental laws and rules, including, but not limited to, time, air quality, safety, the cost of delayed construction, and cost to the motoring public.  The Commission shall address the internal environmental review process of the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and any other State department or agency involved in the environmental oversight or review of the construction or expansion of State highways.
SECTION 2.  The Legislative Services Commission shall, pursuant to G.S. 120‑32.02, give prior approval for the Legislative Research Commission to contract for consultants to assist with this study.
SECTION 3.  The Legislative Research Commission shall make a final report of its recommendations to the 2009 General Assembly and may make an interim report to the 2008 Regular Session of the 2007 General Assembly.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.