By 1/1/2040, requires all municipal wastewater treatment facilities owned by a State or county agency to meet state R-1 water standards. Requires the Department of Health to adopt five-year benchmarks to ensure compliance with state R-1 water standards. Requires the Legislature to appropriate sufficient funds. Appropriates funds.
Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate, healthy native ecosystems, and beaches, shall be protected and shall not be infringed. (SD1)
HB 2065 allocates general funds into the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund to create more low-interest loans for eligible projects. The bill directly affects municipalities, businesses, or organizations seeking funding for water pollution prevention or cleanup efforts, such as wastewater treatment upgrades. Its key mechanism is using state funds to expand the revolving loan pool, allowing borrowers to repay funds that are then reused for future projects. This provides concrete financial support for water infrastructure improvements without creating new permanent spending.
Requires the Department of Health, in consultation with various agencies and professionals, to review rules and practices and propose changes that have the potential to make wastewater systems and cesspool upgrades more affordable without compromising water quality. Appropriates funds.
Proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that the inherent and inalienable right of the people, including future generations, to clean water and air, a healthful environment and climate and healthy native ecosystems and beaches, shall be protected and shall not be infringed.
Clarifies the level of environmental restoration owners and operators of underground storage tanks or tank systems that had a confirmed release must satisfy by requiring the removal of all jet fuel, including fuel additives and all compounds resulting from the degradation of jet fuel or jet fuel additives or the reaction of jet fuel or jet fuel additives with water or other chemicals. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that the detection of these contaminants in the vicinity of an underground storage tank or a tank system after a confirmed release is a result of the confirmed release.
Defines "isolated wetlands" and "wetlands". Clarifies the definition of "state waters" to include wetlands and isolated wetlands. Requires the Director of Health to determine all wetlands in the State, including whether a wetland is an isolated wetland or is included in the waters of the United States. Prohibit persons from discharging any water pollutant into or at any location that enters state waters.
Exempts agricultural ponds and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure from regulations covering retention ponds. Defines agricultural ponds and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure.
Replaces the current statutory prohibition on private shoreline hardening with a policy directing the minimization of these structures. Establishes a clear, time-limited statutory framework for emergency permits within the conservation district, including defined standards for permit duration and extension.
Clarifies the exemptions to the prohibition on discharging any wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, including an exemption for treatment plants having a treatment capacity of less than a certain number of gallons per day. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
