Relating to environmental funding, to assess an environmental fee on each customer of a community water system to be deposited into the Environmental Management Fund.
Impact
The introduction of this fee is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding environmental funding practices. By establishing a consistent funding mechanism through this environmental fee, Alabama can enhance its environmental management capabilities, thereby potentially improving overall water quality and addressing environmental concerns more effectively. The collected funds are integral for the Department’s programs and thus will directly influence the state's environmental policy framework.
Summary
SB112 proposes to levy an environmental fee of eighty-five cents ($0.85) per month on each customer of community water systems in Alabama, aiming to bolster funding for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management Fund. This fee is set to begin on October 1, 2024, and is designed to financially support the assurance of water quality and the administration of authorized environmental programs. The stakeholders involved, namely the operators of community water systems, will be responsible for collecting and remitting this fee to the state revenue department.
Contention
While the bill aims at fostering better environmental practices, it may face opposition from citizens who could see this additional monthly fee as a burden, especially in low-income communities. Additionally, discussions surrounding the implementation and administration of this act suggest that there may be concerns about the financial implications for water system operators tasked with collecting the fee and submitting it to the Department of Revenue. As the bill progresses, the balance between environmental needs and the economic impact on residents will likely become a focal point of contention in legislative debates.
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
Safe Drinking Water Act; environmental management department required to investigate for PFAS; private right of action against responsible persons established
Recycling; Department of Environmental Management required to issue credits; Department of Revenue required to accept credits in lieu of fees; civil penalties established
Quarries; Environmental Management Department prohibited form issuing permits under certain circumstances; procedures for local government approval provided; advisory boards provided for
Education: curriculum; environmental literacy task force to develop environmental literacy model curriculum and report on the curriculum; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1159.