The bill H.319 amends Vermont's environmental management laws, focusing on battery extended producer responsibility, fuel storage tank regulations, and household hazardous waste management. It extends the deadline for the Secretary of Natural Resources and a stewardship organization to assess end-of-life management programs for batteries from 2026 to 2027. The bill also prohibits the delivery of regulated substances to fuel storage tanks lacking valid permits or environmental compliance. Additionally, it requires manufacturers of household hazardous products to register with a stewardship organization before selling their products and mandates the development of collection plans that ensure free and accessible collection opportunities, with municipalities reimbursed for collection costs.

Moreover, the bill establishes a comprehensive collection program for hazardous products, emphasizing public education and outreach, and requiring stewardship organizations to create culturally appropriate materials. It allows these organizations to charge reasonable fees for program administration and sets performance goals for participation in collection events, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill also extends the deadline for disposing of hazardous products in landfills from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. Additionally, it amends various sections related to the National Flood Insurance Program and climate resilience, including extending deadlines for reports and rulemaking, and introduces a new requirement for the Agency of Natural Resources to report on climate adaptation strategies by September 15, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1927(d), 10-1927, 10-7181, 10-7182, 10-7183, 10-7184, 10-7187, 10-6621a, 10-159, 10-754, 10-918
As Passed By the House -- Official: 10-1927(d), 10-1927, 10-7181, 10-7182, 10-7183, 10-7184, 10-7187, 10-6621a, 10-159, 10-754, 10-918, 10-599a
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 10-1927(d), 10-1927, 10-7181, 10-7182, 10-7183, 10-7184, 10-7187, 10-6621a, 10-754, 10-918, 10-599a