Bill > H3463

This bill proposes to restore and establish a dedicated Clean Environment Fund using revenue from unclaimed bottle deposits. Specifically, the legislation modifies existing law to redirect funds collected by the commissioner of revenue, stipulating that the first $70 million will be deposited in the General Fund, with additional amounts going into the new Clean Environment Fund. The bill mandates that the fund be used exclusively for environmental programs, with at least 40% dedicated to recycling, composting, and solid waste source reduction projects, and an additional 10% for recycling and solid waste initiatives. Up to 50% of the fund can be used for other environmental programs, including department administration, enforcement, clean water and sewer improvements, and storm water management. Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for incineration-related costs. This legislation aims to create a more structured and targeted approach to utilizing unclaimed bottle deposit revenues for environmental protection and climate change mitigation efforts.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3463