This bill amends existing laws regarding the establishment of annual economic benefits for municipalities hosting sanitary landfill facilities and solid waste transfer stations. It introduces a structured timeframe for negotiations, mandating that these discussions be completed within 180 days, with the possibility of a 180-day extension if both parties apply jointly and demonstrate good faith. Additionally, the bill requires municipalities to notify the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) within 10 days of starting negotiations and to publish the proposed annual economic benefit on their websites for public comment for at least 45 days before submitting it for approval. The DEP or BPU must also consider public comments and can establish an annual economic benefit if negotiations fail or are deemed to be in bad faith.

Furthermore, the bill empowers residents of municipalities with landfill facilities or transfer stations to petition the DEP or BPU for adjustments to the annual economic benefit. The petition must include the proposed benefit level and supporting documentation, with a decision required from the DEP or BPU within 180 days. The amendments aim to enhance transparency, public involvement, and accountability in the negotiation process for economic benefits associated with solid waste management facilities.

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