Bill H.319 proposes significant amendments to Vermont's environmental regulations, particularly concerning battery management, fuel storage tanks, and household hazardous waste. It extends the deadline for a stewardship organization to assess end-of-life management programs for certain battery types from 2026 to 2027, with a focus on batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles. The bill also updates regulations for fuel storage tanks, prohibiting the delivery of regulated substances to non-compliant tanks. For household hazardous waste, it establishes new registration requirements for manufacturers and stewardship organizations, ensuring their participation in approved collection plans that include free statewide collection opportunities and public education efforts.

Additionally, the bill introduces a comprehensive collection program for household hazardous products, requiring stewardship organizations to manage the collection and end-of-life processes. Key provisions include a collection plan that ensures accessibility for all Vermonters, public outreach tailored to diverse populations, and specific funding requirements for municipalities involved in the collection process. Significant amendments include extending the deadline for the disposal of covered household hazardous products to July 1, 2026, and allowing the Secretary to adopt a collection plan if no stewardship organization is formed by July 1, 2025. The bill also mandates updates to the Vermont Wetlands Rules to achieve a net gain of wetlands and sets deadlines for various reports and rulemaking related to flood insurance and dam emergency operations, emphasizing climate change adaptation and resilience strategies.

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