This bill aims to make the annual allocation of $500,000 from the Clean Communities Program Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection for public outreach concerning the single-use plastics reduction program a permanent measure. Previously, this allocation was only applicable for the first three years following the enactment of P.L.2020, c.117. The funds are intended to support education and implementation efforts related to the state's ban on single-use plastics, which includes initiatives such as a bag redistribution program that provides reusable bags to food banks and other distribution programs.

The bill amends Section 5 of P.L.2002, c.128, specifically removing the temporary nature of the funding and establishing a consistent annual appropriation for the outreach program. This change reflects a commitment to ongoing public education about litter reduction and responsible waste handling, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the state's environmental initiatives. The Clean Communities Program Fund is sustained through user fees, penalties, and voluntary contributions, ensuring a steady source of funding for these important outreach efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-217