The bill amends the Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy Program by transferring the administrative responsibility from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Department of Environmental Protection. It revises the eligibility criteria for municipal solid waste-to-energy facilities to receive financial assistance and incentive grants. Notably, beginning July 1, 2025, the bill mandates that air quality and particulate matter measurements must be conducted in environmental justice zones within 25 miles of a facility before it can receive financial assistance. If the measurements do 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 for new facilities to ensure they do not negatively impact 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 receiving funding. The funding structure prioritizes financial assistance grants, with any remaining funds available for incentive grants, and includes provisions for the carryover of unspent funds for up to five years. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.