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 fixture. Currently, this allocation is only applicable for the first three years following the enactment of P.L.2020, c.117. The bill amends Section 5 of P.L.2002, c.128 to remove the temporary nature of this funding, ensuring that the $500,000 will be appropriated annually to support ongoing education and implementation efforts related to the reduction of single-use plastics.

The Clean Communities Program Fund is financed through user fees from manufacturers and retailers of litter-generating products, penalties, and voluntary contributions. The funds have been utilized for various initiatives, including a bag redistribution program that provides reusable bags to food banks and pantries. By making this allocation permanent, the bill seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the state's efforts to reduce single-use plastics and promote responsible waste management practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-217