Feasibility allowance for nondegradation policy

This bill establishes a feasibility allowance process that allows energy development projects to temporarily exceed water quality standards for high-quality waters under specific conditions. It directly affects energy developers, environmental agencies, and communities near water bodies by creating a formal mechanism to evaluate whether proposed infrastructure projects can proceed without causing significant water quality degradation. The legislation defines key terms such as "energy development project," "high-quality waters," and "associated supporting infrastructure" to clarify what qualifies for the allowance and sets rules for how the Department of Environmental Quality must assess feasibility requests. By amending existing statutes and administrative rules, the bill provides the department with authority to issue permits that permit limited water quality changes while maintaining overall protection standards.