Executive Order
03-14

Whereas, I have been advised by the Director of the State Emergency Management Agency that a natural disaster of major proportions has occurred throughout the State of Missouri, which area has been affected by severe storms and high winds with tornadoes; and

Whereas, there as been loss of life; and

Whereas, damage to the affected areas and loss of property and interruption of public services have occurred as a result of the severe weather beginning May 4, 2003; and

Whereas, the severe weather that began on May 4, 2003, and which may continue, has created a condition of distress and hazard to the safety, welfare, and property of the citizens of the State of Missouri beyond the capabilities of some local and other established agencies; and

Whereas, on May 4, 2003, I declared that a State of Emergency existed in the State of Missouri, pursuant to my authority under Chapter 44, RSMo; and

Whereas, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is charged by law with protecting and enhancing the quality of Missouri's environment and with enforcing a variety of environmental rules and regulations; and

Whereas, to respond to the declared emergency and to expedite the cleanup and recovery process, it is necessary to adjust certain environmental rules and regulations on a temporary and short-term basis.

Now, therefore, I, Bob Holden, Governor of the State of Missouri, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of Missouri, do hereby issue the following order:

The Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is vested with full discretionary authority to temporarily waive or suspend the operation of any statutory or administrative rule or regulation currently in place under his purview in order to best serve the interest of public health and safety during the period of the emergency and the subsequent recovery period. The authority granted by this Order shall remain in effect for the duration of the emergency.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 7th day of May, 2003.

[Bob Holden's signature]
Bob Holden
Governor

ATTEST:

[Matt Blunt's signature]
Matt Blunt
Secretary of State

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