This bill amends the comprehensive state development plan to enhance the protection of natural resources and address environmental threats. Key insertions include the addition of a natural resources section that emphasizes the identification and protection of drinking water aquifers, lakes, rivers, estuaries, forests, wetlands, coastal marshlands, wildlife habitats, and farmland. Furthermore, a new environmental threats section is introduced, which aims to identify threats from chemical and biological contamination, waste disposal, and inadequate recycling opportunities, while addressing the cumulative effects of these contaminants on air, water, and land.

The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions but is expected to incur additional costs for the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, estimated between $500,000 and $1,000,000. This expenditure will cover the hiring of a third-party vendor to modify and write the comprehensive state development plan, with the work anticipated to span two fiscal years (FY 2026 and FY 2027). The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-A:1