Here’s an interesting Friday afternoon news dump: Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli — not exactly a stranger to scuffles with the federal government — is applauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Residential Homebuilder Beazer Homes USA, Inc., had agreed to pay $925,000 to resolve alleged federal violations in 21 states, including Virginia. The announcement was made Thursday by the Justice Department and the EPA.
“Eight construction sites in Virginia are involved with the settlement, providing a modest fine to be paid to Virginia of $10,193,” Cuccinelli said. “But more important is the commitment from Beazer to institute tighter controls on storm water runoff at its construction sites.”
The settlement, a portion of which will go to protect the Chesapeake Bay, also requires Beazer to develop better pollution production plans for its construction sites and submit annual reports to the EPA.
“When the EPA works within the bounds of its authority to enforce environmental regulations, I join in that effort to protect Virginia’s natural resources and the interests of her citizens,” Cuccinelli said. “The settlement that the EPA structured with Beazer Homes is tailored to protect the environment without costing people their businesses and the jobs that go with them.”
