Senate Bill No. 1496 proposes significant amendments to the statutes governing the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), enhancing its authority and operational efficiency. The bill repeals and replaces subsection (a) of section 22a-6, granting the commissioner expanded powers to adopt, amend, or repeal environmental standards, enter contracts, and enforce compliance with environmental laws. It allows for the construction and repair of infrastructure, such as service roads and flood prevention systems, with an increased expenditure threshold from $500,000 to $1 million, subject to annual adjustments based on the Producer Price Index. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for fee payments related to the Freedom of Information Act and environmental compliance, ensuring that costs are covered before final decisions on applications.

The bill also revises regulations concerning radioactive materials, commercial fishing licenses, and the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program. Key insertions include the definition of "by-product material" to encompass materials made radioactive by fusion machines and the introduction of a "general license" for certain radioactive materials. It streamlines the process for temporarily reissuing commercial fishing licenses and modifies the rebate program to prioritize income-qualified residents. Furthermore, the bill repeals outdated programs and statutes, aiming to modernize DEEP's operations and ensure compliance with current practices, ultimately enhancing public safety and environmental management.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-159a, 26-142b, 23-5c
ENV Joint Favorable: 26-159a, 26-142b, 23-5c
File No. 670: 26-159a, 26-142b, 23-5c