Recycling, authorizing the Dept. of Environmental Management to issue transferable recycle credits to users of recyclable materials and for off setting solid waste disposal costs, to administer all transactions, to impose civil penalties for fraud
Impact
If enacted, HB474 would significantly impact state laws regarding waste management and recycling. By allowing the issuance of transferable recycle credits, the state aims to promote environmentally beneficial practices, thereby encouraging improved recycling behaviors among businesses and residents. Additionally, the administration of transactions related to these credits will provide the Department of Environmental Management with new regulatory responsibilities, which could transform how solid waste disposal is managed and tracked in the state.
Summary
House Bill 474 focuses on enhancing recycling efforts by authorizing the Department of Environmental Management to issue transferable recycle credits to users of recyclable materials. The bill aims to create a system where individuals or businesses that engage in recycling can receive credits that can be traded or utilized for other purposes. This could potentially incentivize more recycling efforts across the state and alleviate some solid waste disposal costs incurred by entities responsible for managing waste.
Contention
There may be concerns regarding the implementation and monitoring of these transferable recycle credits. Stakeholders could debate the effectiveness of this system, particularly regarding possible fraud and the enforcement measures required to prevent it. Moreover, the balance between facilitating recycling and imposing civil penalties for fraudulent actions could also present a point of contention. As such, the success of HB474 may hinge on the Department of Environmental Management's capacity to administer and oversee these new regulatory functions effectively.
Tax credits, authorizes ADEM to issue tax credits to persons using certain recyclable materials, sale and trade of recycle tax credits, civil penalties for fraud.
Recycling; Department of Environmental Management required to issue credits; Department of Revenue required to accept credits in lieu of fees; civil penalties established
Alabama Department of Environmental Management; water well drillers, licenses and licensees, fees therefore, revised and further provides for; continuing education required
Alabama Drycleaning Response Trust Fund Board, requirement that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management prevent involvement of other units of government in contamination problems deleted; required minimum balance in Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund reduced from one million to two hundred fifty thousand dollars
Alabama Drycleaning Response Trust Fund Board, requirement that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management prevent involvement of other units of government in contamination problems deleted; required minimum balance in Alabama Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund reduced from one million to two hundred fifty thousand dollars