The bill amends the Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy Program by changing the responsible state agency from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Department of Environmental Protection. It also revises the eligibility requirements for municipal solid waste-to-energy facilities to receive financial assistance and incentive grant funding. Notably, beginning July 1, 2025, the Office of Air Monitoring must measure air quality and particulate matter in environmental justice zones within 25 miles of a facility before it can receive financial assistance. If the air quality does not meet the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the facility will be ineligible for grant funding.

Additionally, starting July 1, 2026, the department will not provide grant funding for new solid waste-to-energy facilities until an environmental justice evaluation confirms that the facility will have a negligible impact on low-income and historically marginalized communities. The bill also stipulates that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will assist in determining grant eligibility and establishing operational requirements for facilities funded under the incentive grant program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.