Emission reduction program audit eyed

Monday, March 26, 2001 | 10:33 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Amid allegations of mismanagement and shady deals in the Clark County air pollution emissions-reduction credit program, a Senate bill would require an audit of the program.

Sen. Jon Porter, R-Henderson, said Senate Bill 475 won't go forward if the Clark County district attorney's office conducts its own investigation. The Clark County District Board of Health voted last week to ask the district attorney to look at the problem.

But if the DA doesn't investigate or does not look at certain areas, Porter said, he will push for legislative approval of SB475, which was introduced Friday.

The emissions program has long been a target of criticism by environmentalists and some whistleblowers within the health district.

The bill would require the Clark County Health District to shift $200,000 to the legislative auditor, who in turn would hire a private auditing or consulting firm to do the work by May 31. The bill was introduced by the Senate Legislative Affairs and Operations Committee, headed by Porter.

He said there were "serious management deficiencies" in the program's past, which has new management. The audit, he said, would look at past practices.

The emission program itself is in hiatus. The district's Air Quality Division staffers are rewriting the rules for the program.

Porter noted allegations of improper shifting of emission-reduction credits that could have increased air pollution in Southern Nevada. Environmentalists say some companies have been permitted to dirty the air and make a profit without protecting the environment.

Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny suggested last Thursday that the district attorney's investigation be requested as a compromise. She added it was inappropriate for the legislators to get involved.

Porter called the action by the health district a "good first step," but the Senate bill would go for a vote if there is no follow-through.