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 bill mandates that 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 bill requires an environmental justice evaluation to ensure that new facilities will not negatively impact low-income and historically marginalized communities before any grant funding is provided. The bill also stipulates that funds appropriated for the program must first be allocated for financial assistance grants, with any remaining funds available for the incentive grant program. The Department of Environmental Protection is tasked with establishing rules for the implementation and administration of the program, including grant application processes and necessary supporting documentation.