Bill > HB210

This bill seeks to significantly update Delaware's environmental enforcement mechanisms by increasing penalties for commercial polluters and redirecting a larger portion of collected fines to impacted communities. Specifically, the bill raises civil and administrative penalties across multiple sections of Delaware's environmental code, increasing maximum fines from ranges like $1,000-$10,000 to $5,000-$40,000 for various environmental violations. The legislation introduces a new requirement that no less than 40 percent of criminal penalties be deposited into a Community Environmental Project Fund, up from the previous 25 percent, with a focus on benefiting communities within two miles of the violation. The bill also expands the criteria for determining "chronic violator" status, including consideration of factors like the number and severity of violations, economic harm, and whether violations constitute high-priority violations according to the EPA. Furthermore, the bill aims to provide more transparency and community involvement by requiring the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to make eligible communities aware of the Community Environmental Project Fund and prioritize projects that directly benefit areas most impacted by environmental infractions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142436