Substitute House Bill No. 7085, also known as Public Act No. 25-54, aims to enhance the management and regulation of environmental cleanup efforts through the establishment of a working group co-chaired by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development. This group will consist of various stakeholders, including environmental professionals and advocacy representatives, and will meet regularly to evaluate the release-based cleanup program's implementation and effectiveness. The bill repeals Section 22a-134tt and introduces new provisions that require the working group to review data on reported releases, remediation efforts, and compliance costs, with reports due to legislative committees by February 1, 2028, and February 1, 2030.

The bill also amends existing regulations by establishing specific timelines and requirements for certifying parties involved in remediation, including the submission of remediation schedules and public notifications. Key insertions include provisions for certifying parties to notify the commissioner of ownership changes and the ability to submit reports on discovered releases. Additionally, the bill clarifies that certain parties are exempt from compliance under specific conditions and emphasizes the need for public participation in the remediation process. Notably, it deletes outdated language regarding reporting factors and introduces new definitions to improve clarity and effectiveness in managing environmental risks, ultimately aiming to streamline the remediation process while ensuring public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
CE Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 559:
File No. 984:
Public Act No. 25-54: