This bill proposes to increase the reimbursement caps from the oil discharge and disposal cleanup fund for owners of on-premise-use facilities who demonstrate financial need. Specifically, the reimbursement for costs to meet local and department operating standards will rise from $3,300 to $4,000, while the reimbursement for underground storage tank abandonment or removal costs will increase from $2,500 to $4,500. Additionally, the bill amends the reporting deadline for the board's annual report on the status of the cleanup fund from October 1 to March 1.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the licensing fees for importing oil into the state, adjusting various rates for different types of oil. For instance, the fee for on-road and off-road gasoline and diesel fuel will decrease from $0.01625 to $0.01546 per gallon, while the fee for fuel oil and diesel products for on-premise heating will increase from $0.01375 to $0.02715 per gallon. The bill is expected to generate additional revenue for the oil pollution control fund, with projected increases in revenue of approximately $496,966 in FY 2026, $339,155 in FY 2027, and $53,559 in FY 2028. Overall, the bill aims to enhance financial support for facility owners while ensuring the sustainability of the cleanup fund through adjusted fees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 146-D:5, 146-D:6, 146-A:11-b
HB658 text: 146-D:5, 146-D:6, 146-A:11-b