The bill H.319, introduced by Representative Sheldon of Middlebury, seeks to amend Vermont's environmental regulations, focusing on battery management, fuel storage, and household hazardous waste. A key change is the extension of the deadline for the battery stewardship organization to complete an assessment of end-of-life management for specific battery types from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027, shifting this responsibility from the Agency of Natural Resources to the stewardship organization. The bill also clarifies conditions for fuel dealers delivering to category one tanks without valid permits, ensuring environmental safety. Additionally, it modifies definitions and requirements related to household hazardous waste, including new provisions for manufacturer registration and extended deadlines for collection plans, while emphasizing the confidentiality of information under the Healthy Homes Initiative.

Moreover, H.319 establishes a comprehensive collection plan for household hazardous products, mandating free statewide collection opportunities and requiring stewardship organizations to develop inclusive collection programs. It introduces a Paint Product Stewardship Program, requiring producers to submit management plans for postconsumer paint products and ensuring that retailers can only sell paint that is part of an approved stewardship program. The bill also includes provisions for the Secretary of Natural Resources to adopt a collection plan if no stewardship organization is formed by a specified deadline, updates the timeline for prohibiting landfill disposal of hazardous products, and addresses various environmental initiatives, including wetlands management and dam emergency operations planning. Overall, the bill aims to enhance environmental protection while streamlining responsibilities and deadlines for stakeholders involved in waste management and conservation efforts.

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