MS HB467

Authorizes the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality to establish and collect fees to cover reasonable direct and indirect costs of permitting and permitting-related programs, with fees set not to exceed state expenses exclusive of federal funding.

Creates the "Department of Environmental Quality Program Fund" as a special trust fund to receive and hold all collected fees, grants, donations, and other revenues for use by the commission and department.

Establishes a nine-member Permitting Advisory Council to study the costs of environmental permitting programs and recommend an equitable fee system, with initial appointments due by August 1, 2010 and annual review reports due January 1.

Allows the commission to collect late fees, impose cease-and-desist orders, and revoke permits for fees unpaid within 90 days of the due date, and permits collection of attorney's fees and costs.

Directs surface mining permit fees and pollution prevention fees to be deposited in the Department of Environmental Quality Program Fund, and requires the commission to file annual reports with state leadership on fees collected and the ratio of general fund appropriations to environmental fees.