Arkansas legislative committee reviews, advances water quality standards

Arkansas legislative committee reviews, advances water quality standards

DEQ Director Bailey Taylor (left) and the division's chief legal counsel, Kesia Morrison, address the Joint Public Health Committee on June 4, 2025. (Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) The Joint Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Wednesday reviewed amendments to Arkansas’ surface water quality standards rule, which is part of the state’s enforcement of the federal Clean Water Act. As part of the Clean Water Act, the state is required to…

State looks to improve response to harmful algal blooms

State Sen. Rachel May, a Syracuse Democrat, reflects on a recent hearing examining the state's response to harmful algal blooms.