The bill titled "An Act Concerning the Burning of Medical Waste" introduces stringent regulations for the incineration of hospital, medical, and infectious waste in the state. It requires that any individual or facility incinerating such waste must obtain a permit from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which must comply with emission standards that are at least as stringent as those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as of January 1, 2025. The bill eliminates any existing exemptions under federal regulations concerning emission standards, ensuring that all incineration facilities adhere to these new requirements.

Additionally, the bill mandates that within 180 days of its passage, facilities incinerating hospital, medical, or infectious waste must implement continuous emissions monitoring for specific pollutants, including mercury and hydrochloric acid, and conduct continuous sampling for dioxins and furans. The data from these monitoring activities must be made publicly available on the facility's website. The legislation aims to enhance environmental protections and public health by ensuring rigorous compliance with emission standards and promoting transparency in monitoring practices. The Environment Committee has favorably reported the bill with a vote of 24 in favor and 6 against on March 24, 2025.