House Bill No. 5331 establishes a working group under the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to evaluate mercury vapor and fine particulate matter emissions from crematories. The group is tasked with developing recommendations for the use of these emissions factors in the review of permit applications and other approvals related to crematories, as outlined in section 22a-174 of the general statutes. The working group is required to convene by June 15, 2026, and will include various stakeholders, such as representatives from public health, funeral directors, crematory operators, environmental organizations, and experts in emissions and atmospheric science.

The working group will review existing regulations, federal guidelines, and available data on emissions from crematories, assess variability in emissions, and identify best practices for minimizing emissions. A report detailing the findings and recommendations, including any legislative suggestions, must be submitted to the relevant General Assembly committee by January 15, 2027. The bill also stipulates that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will provide administrative support to the working group, which will dissolve upon submitting the report or on January 15, 2027, whichever is later.