Who issues variances for prohibited activities?

The correct choice indicates that variances for prohibited activities are issued by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC). This body is typically responsible for overseeing environmental regulations and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. When specific activities are considered prohibited under existing regulations, the EMC has the authority to evaluate requests for variances, allowing for exceptions in certain situations when justified by the circumstances of the case.

Local governments may enforce local ordinances or regulations, but they typically do not have the capacity to issue variances for activities that fall under broader state or federal environmental laws. The Department of Water Resources generally focuses on managing water resources and may not be involved in granting variances related to broader environmental concerns. Federal regulators can enforce national environmental laws, but they operate at a higher level and are typically involved in more significant regulatory frameworks rather than issuing variances for specific prohibited activities. Thus, the Environmental Management Commission is the appropriate entity for handling such requests.