Environment

This Act updates the electric vehicle rebate program administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in light of changes to federal policies and market forces affecting electric vehicle deployment. The bill provides the Department with additional flexibility to set rebate amounts and improve programmatic offerings. The bill also allows enhanced rebates for an eventual program targeting lower income families.

This Act seeks to update the fine structure for major commercial polluters. In addition, this Act increases the amount of penalty funds directed to communities near facilities with violations. In summary, this Act imposes higher fines for violations of the following chapters: Chapter 22 of Title 3, relating to nutrient management programs; Chapter 60 of Title 7, relating to environmental control; Chapter 62 of Title 7, relating to oil pollution liability; Chapter 63 of Title 7, relating to hazardous waste management; Chapter 71 of Title 7, relating to noise control and abatement; Chapter 79 of Title 7, relating to chronic violator status; Chapter 91 of Title 7, relating to the Hazardous Substances Cleanup Act; and Chapter 13 of Title 16, relating to stream pollution. In addition, 40 percent, rather than 25 percent, of the civil and administrative funds collected under various environmental regulatory chapters will be appropriated to the Community Environmental Project Fund under § 6042 of Title 7. The Fund will give priority to community environmental projects located within a 2-mile radius of the violation or infraction. This Act adds to the fund 40% of the fines collected for oil pollution and noise control and abatement violations, under Chapter 62 and Chapter 71 of Title 7. This Act further allows DNREC to appeal a decision by the Environmental Appeals Board relating to chronic violator status.