In the 2025 legislative session, Arkansas lawmakers approved several significant bills addressing environmental issues. One prominent measure, Act 1009, emerged after prolonged complaints from residents about foul odors stemming from waste disposal practices by Denali Water Solutions. This legislation mandates maximum penalties for improper biosolid applications and empowers the Department of Energy and Environment to establish stricter regulations. Additionally, Senate Bill 290, now Act 921, preserves a longstanding moratorium on medium and large swine farms within the Buffalo River watershed. Further laws include measures concerning wind energy development, utility infrastructure grants, and reauthorization of natural resource commission borrowing.
Representative Brad Hall championed Act 1009 following numerous grievances from Crawford County citizens regarding noxious smells emanating from a waste lagoon operated by Denali Water Solutions. The bill compels the Division of Environmental Quality to impose the highest allowable fines when companies exceed permitted biosolid application limits or apply them near rain events. It also authorizes DEQ to develop rules for "no-discharge land application permits" involving industrial waste. Hall expressed his frustration with the intolerable odor, likening it to "death," and emphasized that such living conditions are unacceptable. Despite Denali's promise to close the open-air lagoon in Crawford County by January 1, 2026, a spokesperson stated they have not committed to a definitive timeline. Nancy St. Pierre, the spokesperson, noted the importance of this facility during inclement weather and highlighted the necessity of obtaining proper permits before shutting down operations.
Beyond biosolid management, the legislature focused on protecting the Buffalo River watershed through Act 921. Originally, Senate Bill 290 sought to lift a decade-long ban on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the region while imposing new procedural hurdles for future moratoriums. However, due to advocacy efforts supported by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the final version maintained the existing protections. Gordon Watkins, president of the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, described initial disappointment but eventual relief at the governor’s intervention. While appreciative of Sanders’ actions, Watkins criticized potential burdensome requirements for other watersheds seeking similar safeguards.
Other notable environmental laws passed during the session included Senate Bill 427, which established guidelines for wind turbine development to minimize environmental impact. Sponsored by Senator Bart Hester and Representative Brad Hall, the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act requires permitting by both state and local authorities if specific regulations exist. Another initiative, House Bill 1681, introduced a matching grant program aimed at enhancing water and sewage utility infrastructure, particularly beneficial for rural areas facing deterioration. Lastly, Senate Bill 421 reauthorized the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to borrow funds via general obligation bonds for various projects related to water supply, waste disposal, and pollution control. Voter approval will be necessary before issuing these bonds, either during the 2026 general election or through a special election called by the governor.
The legislative achievements underscore Arkansas' commitment to tackling pressing environmental challenges. By enacting comprehensive measures like Act 1009 and preserving critical moratoriums under Act 921, lawmakers demonstrated responsiveness to public concerns. Furthermore, initiatives promoting sustainable energy development and infrastructure improvements reflect broader strategies aimed at balancing economic growth with ecological preservation. These developments position Arkansas as a proactive leader in regional environmental policy-making.