The bill H.319 amends Vermont's environmental management laws, focusing on battery extended producer responsibility, fuel storage tanks, and household hazardous waste. It extends the deadline for assessing end-of-life management programs for various battery types from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027, and assigns this task to the stewardship organization under 10 V.S.A. chapter 168. 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 statewide collection and compensation for municipalities involved.

Moreover, the bill establishes a comprehensive collection program for household hazardous products, emphasizing public education and outreach, and requiring stewardship organizations to create culturally appropriate materials. It allows these organizations to charge reasonable fees to fund the collection plan and stipulates that if no stewardship organization is formed by a specified date, the Secretary will implement a plan and charge manufacturers for costs. The bill also modifies deadlines for various environmental regulations, including extending the reporting deadlines for the National Flood Insurance Program and wetlands management, while introducing a new requirement for the Agency of Natural Resources to report on climate change adaptation practices by September 15, 2025. The previous requirement for a final rule on the Resilience Implementation Strategy by January 1, 2026, has been repealed, and the act will take effect upon passage.

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