This bill amends existing laws regarding host community benefit agreements for municipalities with sanitary landfill facilities or solid waste transfer stations. It establishes a clear timeframe for negotiations, requiring them to be completed within 180 days, with the possibility of a 180-day extension if both parties apply jointly and demonstrate good faith. Additionally, municipalities must notify the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) within 10 days of starting negotiations and publish the proposed agreements online for a minimum 45-day public comment period before submission for approval. The bill also mandates that if negotiations fail or are deemed to be in bad faith, the DEP or BPU will issue an order to establish a host community benefit.

Furthermore, the bill empowers residents to petition the DEP or BPU for the establishment or adjustment of host community benefits, requiring the petition to include specific information and documentation. The DEP or BPU must respond to such petitions within 180 days. The amendments aim to enhance public input, transparency, and accountability in the negotiation process for host community benefits, ensuring that municipalities receive fair compensation for hosting solid waste facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-28, 13:1E-28.1