Senate Bill No. 1281 mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, to conduct a study on the necessity of implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for the disposal and recycling of solar panels and wind turbine blades in the state. The study will assess the volume and weight of these materials expected to reach the end of their useful life within the next five years, as well as the current procedures for their collection, disposal, and recycling. Additionally, it will evaluate the costs associated with current practices compared to potential EPR programs, and identify the necessary infrastructure and oversight required for such programs.

The bill includes new legal language that specifies the study's objectives, including an analysis of existing collection and recycling procedures, collaboration opportunities with neighboring states, and the financial implications for municipalities and residents. The Commissioner is required to submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly by February 1, 2026. There are no anticipated fiscal impacts on the state or municipalities, as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has the necessary resources to conduct the study.