Vermont House Bill H0319 Latest Draft

                            BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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H.319
IntroducedbyRepresentativeSheldonofMiddlebury
ReferredtoCommitteeon
Date:
Subject:Conservationanddevelopment;solidwaste;floodsafety;wetlands;
dams
Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestoamend
multipleenvironmentalsubjects.Thebillwouldextendbyayearthedateby
whichanassessmentoftheend-of-lifemanagementofcertainbatterytypes
shallbeconductedandrequiresthebatterystewardshiporganizationinthe
StatetocompletetheassessmentinsteadoftheAgencyofNaturalResources.
Thebillalsoclarifieswhenafueldealercandelivertoacategoryonetankthat
doesnothaveavalidpermitorotherwisemayresultinareleasetothe
environment.Thebillwouldprovidethatinformationsubmittedtothe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationundertheHealthyHomes
Initiativeshallbeconsideredconfidential.Inaddition,thebillwouldextend
multipledeadlinedatesforreportingorrulemakingforspecificfloodsafety,
rivercorridor,wetlands,anddamprograms.
Anactrelatingtomiscellaneousenvironmentalsubjects
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ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
***BatteryExtendedProducerResponsibility***
Sec.1.2024ActsandResolvesNo.152,Sec.3isamendedtoread:
Sec.3.ANRBATTERYASSESSMENT
(a)OnorbeforeJuly1,2026,theSecretaryofNaturalResources2027,the
stewardshiporganizationformedpursuantto10V.S.A.chapter168shall
completeanassessmentoftheopportunities,challenges,andfeasibilityof
establishingmandatoryend-of-lifemanagementprogramsforthefollowing
batterytypes:
(1)batteriesusedinhybridandelectricvehicles;
(2)batteryenergystoragesystems;and
(3)batteriesthatarenoteasilyremovablefromtheproductstheypower.
(b)Theassessmentrequiredbythissectionshallinclude:
(1)asummaryoftheworkandprogressotherstateshavemadein
establishingend-of-lifemanagementprogramsforthethreebatterytypeslisted
undersubsection(a)ofthissection;and
(2)policyrecommendationsonwhethermandatoryend-of-life
managementprogramsarenecessaryforthebatterytypeslistedunder
subsection(a)ofthissection.
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(c)Theassessmentrequiredbythissectionshallbeprovidedtothe
SecretaryofNaturalResources,theHouseCommitteeonEnvironmentand
Energy,andtheSenateCommitteeonNaturalResourcesandEnergy.
***FuelStorageTanks***
Sec.2.10V.S.A.§ 1927(d)isamendedtoread:
(d)Nopersonshalldeliveraregulatedsubstancetoacategoryonetank
thatisvisiblydesignatedbytheAgencyasnothavingavalidpermitornot
meetingstandardsadoptedbytheSecretaryrelatedtocorrosionprotection,
spillprevention,leakdetection,financialresponsibility,oroverfillprotection
thatmayresultinthetankreleasingaregulatedsubstancetotheenvironment.
***HouseholdHazardousWasteExtendedProducerResponsibility***
Sec.3.10V.S.A.§ 7181isamendedtoread:
§7181.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthischapter:
***
(4)(A)“Coveredhouseholdhazardousproduct”meansaconsumer
productofferedforretailsalethatiscontainedinthereceptacleinwhichthe
productisofferedforretailsale,iftheproducthasanyofthefollowing
characteristics:
(i)theproductoracomponentoftheproductisahazardouswaste
undersubchapter2oftheVermontHazardousWasteManagement
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Regulations,regardlessofthestatusofthegeneratorofthehazardouswaste;
or
(ii)theproductisagascylinder.
(B)“Coveredhouseholdhazardousproduct”doesnotmeananyof
thefollowing:
***
(iv)architecturalpaintpaint-relatedproductsasthattermis
definedinsection6672ofthistitle;
***
Sec.4.10V.S.A.§ 7182isamendedtoread:
§7182.SALEOFCOVEREDHOUSEHOLDHAZARDOUSPRODUCTS;
STEWARDSHIPORGANIZATIONREGISTRATION;
MANUFACTURER REGISTRATION
(a)Saleprohibited.
(1)Amanufacturerofacoveredhouseholdhazardousproductshallnot
sell,offerforsale,ordelivertoaretailerforsubsequentsaleacovered
householdhazardousproductwithoutregisteringwiththestewardship
organizationpursuanttosubsection(c)ofthissection.
(2)Beginningsixmonthsafterafinaldecisionontheadequacyofa
collectionplanbytheSecretary,amanufacturerofacoveredhousehold
hazardousproductshallnotsell,offerforsale,ordelivertoaretailerfor
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subsequentsaleacoveredhouseholdhazardousproductunlessallthe
followinghavebeenmet:
(1)(A)Themanufacturerisparticipatinginastewardship
organizationimplementinganapprovedcollectionplan.
(2)(B)Thenameofthemanufacturer,themanufacturer’sbrand,and
thenameofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproductaresubmittedtothe
AgencyofNaturalResourcesbyastewardshiporganizationandlistedonthe
stewardshiporganization’swebsiteascoveredbyanapprovedcollectionplan.
(3)(C)Thestewardshiporganizationinwhichthemanufacturer
participateshassubmittedanannualreportconsistentwiththerequirementsof
section7185ofthistitle.
(4)(D)Thestewardshiporganizationinwhichthemanufacturer
participateshasconductedaplanauditconsistentwiththerequirementsof
subsection7185(b)ofthistitle.
(b)Stewardshiporganizationregistrationrequirements.
(1)OnorbeforeJuly1,2025andannuallythereafter,astewardship
organizationshallfilearegistrationformwiththeSecretary.TheSecretary
shallprovidetheregistrationformtothestewardshiporganization.The
registrationformshallinclude:
(A)alistofthemanufacturersparticipatinginthestewardship
organization;
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(B)alistofthebrandsofeachmanufacturerparticipatinginthe
stewardshiporganization;
(C)alistofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsofeach
manufacturerparticipatinginthestewardshiporganization;
(D)thename,address,andcontactinformationofaperson
responsibleforensuringcompliancewiththischapter;
(E)adescriptionofhowthestewardshiporganizationmeetsthe
requirementsofsubsection7184(b)ofthistitle,includinganyreasonable
requirementsforparticipationinthestewardshiporganization;and
(F)(B)thename,address,andcontactinformationofapersonfora
nonmembermanufacturertocontactregardinghowtoparticipateinthe
stewardshiporganizationtosatisfytherequirementsofthischapter.
(2)Arenewalofaregistrationwithoutchangesmaybeaccomplished
throughnotifyingtheAgencyofNaturalResourcesonaformprovidedbythe
AgencyBeginningJuly1,2026andannuallythereafter,astewardship
organizationshallrenewitsregistrationwiththeSecretary.Arenewal
registrationshallincludethefollowing:
(A)alistofthemanufacturersparticipatinginthestewardship
organization;
(B)alistofthebrandsofeachmanufacturerparticipatinginthe
stewardshiporganization;
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(C)alistofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsofeach
manufacturerparticipatinginthestewardshiporganization;
(D)thename,address,andcontactinformationofaperson
responsibleforensuringcompliancewiththischapter;
(E)adescriptionofhowthestewardshiporganizationmeetsthe
requirementsofsubsection7184(b)ofthistitle,includinganyreasonable
requirementsforparticipationinthestewardshiporganization;and
(F)thename,address,andcontactinformationofapersonfora
nonmembermanufacturertocontactregardinghowtoparticipateinthe
stewardshiporganizationtosatisfytherequirementsofthischapter.
(c)Manufacturerregistration.OnorbeforeNovember1,2025,a
manufacturerofacoveredhouseholdhazardousproductshallregisterwiththe
stewardshiporganizationinamannerproscribedbythestewardship
organization.
Sec.5.10V.S.A.§ 7183isamendedtoread:
§7183.COLLECTIONPLANS
(a)Collectionplanrequired.PriortoJuly1,2025OnorbeforeJuly1,
2026,anystewardshiporganizationregisteredwiththeSecretaryas
representingmanufacturersofcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsshall
coordinateandsubmittotheSecretaryforreviewonecollectionplanforall
manufacturers.
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(b)Collectionplan;minimumrequirements.Eachcollectionplanshall
include,ataminimum,allofthefollowingrequirements:
(1)Initialplan.Theinitialplanshalllastforaperiodnottoexceed
threeyearsandcontain,ataminimum,thefollowingrequirements:
(A)Listofparticipants.Alistofthemanufacturers,brands,and
productsparticipatinginthecollectionplanandamethodologyforaddingand
removingmanufacturersandnotifyingtheAgencyofnewparticipants.
(2)(B)Freestatewidecollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardous
products.Thecollectionprogramshallprovideforreimbursemunicipalities
whenamunicipalityprovidesforfree,convenient,andaccessiblestatewide
opportunitiesforthecollectionfromcoveredentitiesofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproducts,includingorphancoveredproducts.Astewardship
organizationshallacceptallcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductscollected
fromacoveredentityandshallnotrefusethecollectionofacovered
householdhazardousproduct,includingorphancoveredhouseholdproducts,
basedonthebrandormanufacturerofthecoveredhouseholdhazardous
productunlessspecificallyexemptfromthisrequirement.Thecollection
programshallalsoprovideforthepaymentofcollection,processing,andend-
of-lifemanagementofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts.Collection
costsincludefacilitycosts,equipmentcosts,labor,supplies,maintenance,
eventscosts,andeventcontractorcosts,includingcollectioneventset-upfees,
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environmentalservicefees,insurancefees,andshippingcontainersand
materials.
(3)Convenientcollectionlocation.Thestewardshiporganizationshall
developacollectionprogramthatallowsallmunicipalhouseholdhazardous
wastecollectionprogramstoopttobeapartofthecollectionplan,including
collectioneventsandfacilitiesofferedbysolidwasteplanningentities.The
planshallmakeeffortstositepointsofcollectionequitablyacrossallregions
oftheStatetoallowforconvenientandreasonableaccessofallVermontersto
collectionfacilitiesorcollectionevents.
(4)Publiceducationandoutreach.Thecollectionplanshallincludean
educationandoutreachprogramthatshallincludeawebsiteandmayinclude
mediaadvertising,retaildisplays,articlesandpublications,andotherpublic
educationalefforts.OutreachandeducationshallbesuitablefortheState’s
diverseethnicpopulations,throughtranslatedandculturallyappropriate
materials,includingin-languageandtargetedoutreach.Publiceducationand
outreachshouldincludecontenttoincreasemeaningfulparticipationby
environmentaljusticefocuspopulationsasrequiredby3V.S.A.chapter72.
Duringthefirstyearofprogramimplementationandtwoyearsafteradoption
ofthecollectionplan,eachstewardshiporganizationshallcarryoutasurvey
ofpublicawarenessregardingtherequirementsoftheprogramestablished
underthischapterthatcanidentifycommunitiesthathavedisparitiesin
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awarenessandneedmoreoutreach.Eachstewardshiporganizationshallshare
theresultsofthepublicawarenesssurveyswiththeSecretary.Ifmultiple
stewardshiporganizationsareimplementingplansapprovedbytheSecretary,
thestewardshiporganizationsshallcoordinateincarryingouttheireducation
andoutreachresponsibilitiesunderthissubdivisionandshallincludeintheir
annualreportstotheSecretaryasummaryoftheircoordinatededucationand
outreachefforts.Theeducationandoutreachprogramandwebsiteshallnotify
thepublicofthefollowing:
(A)thatthereisafreecollectionprogramforcoveredhousehold
hazardousproducts;
(B)thelocationandhoursofoperationofcollectionpointsandhow
acoveredentitycanaccessthiscollectionprogram;
(C)thespecialhandlingconsiderationsassociatedwithcovered
householdhazardousproducts;and
(D)sourcereductioninformationforconsumerstoreduceleftover
coveredhouseholdproducts.
(5)Compliancewithappropriateenvironmentalstandards.In
implementingacollectionplan,astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywith
allapplicablelawsrelatedtothecollection,transportation,anddisposalof
hazardouswaste.Astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywithanyspecial
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handlingordisposalstandardsestablishedbytheSecretaryforcovered
householdhazardousproductsorforthecollectionplanofthemanufacturer.
(6)Methodofdisposition.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehow
coveredhouseholdhazardousproductswillbemanagedinthemost
environmentallyandeconomicallysoundmanner,includingfollowingthe
waste-managementhierarchy.Themanagementofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproductsunderthecollectionplanshallusemanagementactivities
inthefollowingpriorityorder:sourcereduction,reuse,recycling,energy
recovery,anddisposal.Collectedcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsshall
berecycledwhentechnicallyandeconomicallyfeasible.
(7)Performancegoals.Acollectionplanshallinclude:
(A)Aperformancegoalforcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts
determinedbythenumberoftotalparticipantsatcollectioneventsand
facilitieslistedinthecollectionplanduringaprogramyeardividedbythe
totalnumberofhouseholds.Thenumberofhouseholdsshallincludeseasonal
households.Thecalculationmethodologyforthenumberofhouseholdsshall
beincludedintheplan.
(B)Ataminimum,thecollectionperformancegoalforthefirst
approvedplanshallbeanannualparticipationrateoffivepercentofthe
householdsforeverycollectionprogrambasedonthenumberofhouseholds
thecollectionprogramserves.Aftertheinitialapprovedprogramplan,the
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stewardshiporganizationshallproposeperformancegoalsforsubsequent
programplans.TheSecretaryshallapprovetheperformancegoalsforthe
planatleasteveryfiveyears.Thestewardshiporganizationshallusethe
resultsofthemostrecentwastecompositionstudyrequiredunder6604ofthis
titleandotherrelevantfactorstoproposetheperformancegoalsofthe
collectionplan.Ifastewardshiporganizationdoesnotmeetitsperformance
goals,theSecretarymayrequirethestewardshiporganizationtorevisethe
collectionplantoprovideforoneormoreofthefollowing:additionalpublic
educationandoutreach,additionalcollectionevents,oradditionalhoursof
operationforcollectionsites.Astewardshiporganizationisnotauthorizedto
reduceorceasecollection,educationandoutreach,orotheractivities
implementedunderanapprovedplanonthebasisofachievementofprogram
performancegoals.
(8)(C)Collectionplanfunding.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehow
thestewardshiporganizationwillfundtheimplementationofthecollection
planandcollectionactivitiesundertheplan,includingthecostsforeducation
andoutreach,collection,processing,andend-of-lifemanagementofthe
coveredhouseholdhazardousproductallmunicipalcollectionofferedtothe
publicinabaseprogramyear.Abaseprogramyearshallbebasedonthe
servicesprovidedincalendaryear2024andanyothercollectionfacilitiesor
eventsapprovedbytheSecretary.Collectioncostsincludefacilitycosts,
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equipmentcosts,labor,supplies,maintenance,eventscosts,andevent
contractorcosts,includingcollectioneventset-upfees,environmentalservice
fees,insurancefees,andshippingcontainersandmaterials.Thecollection
planshallincludehowmunicipalitieswillbecompensatedforallcosts
attributedtocollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts.The
Secretaryshallresolvedisputesrelatingtocompensation.
(2)Subsequentplans.Aftertheexpirationoftheinitialplanapproved
bytheSecretary,thecollectionplanshallinclude,ataminimum,the
following:
(A)Listofparticipants.Alistofthemanufacturers,brands,and
productsparticipatinginthecollectionplanandamethodologyforaddingand
removingmanufacturersandnotifyingtheAgencyofnewparticipants.
(B)Freestatewidecollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardous
products.Thecollectionprogramshallprovideforfree,convenient,and
accessiblestatewideopportunitiesforthecollectionfromcoveredentitiesof
coveredhouseholdhazardousproducts,includingorphancoveredproducts.A
stewardshiporganizationshallacceptallcoveredhouseholdhazardous
productscollectedfromacoveredentityandshallnotrefusethecollectionofa
coveredhouseholdhazardousproduct,includingorphancoveredhousehold
products,basedonthebrandormanufacturerofthecoveredhousehold
hazardousproductunlessspecificallyexemptfromthisrequirement.The
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collectionprogramshallalsoprovideforthepaymentofcollection,
processing,andend-of-lifemanagementofthecoveredhouseholdhazardous
products.Collectioncostsincludefacilitycosts,equipmentcosts,labor,
supplies,maintenance,eventscosts,andeventcontractorcosts,including
collectioneventset-upfees,environmentalservicefees,insurancefees,and
shippingcontainersandmaterials.
(C)Convenientcollectionlocation.Thestewardshiporganization
shalldevelopacollectionprogramthatallowsallmunicipalhousehold
hazardouswastecollectionprogramstoopttobeapartofthecollectionplan,
includingcollectioneventsandfacilitiesofferedbysolidwasteplanning
entities.Theplanshallmakeeffortstositepointsofcollectionequitably
acrossallregionsoftheStatetoallowforconvenientandreasonableaccessof
allVermonterstocollectionfacilitiesorcollectionevents.
(D)Publiceducationandoutreach.Thecollectionplanshallinclude
aneducationandoutreachprogramthatshallincludeawebsiteandmay
includemediaadvertising,retaildisplays,articlesandpublications,andother
publiceducationalefforts.Outreachandeducationshallbesuitableforthe
State’sdiverseethnicpopulations,throughtranslatedandculturally
appropriatematerials,includingin-languageandtargetedoutreach.Public
educationandoutreachshouldincludecontenttoincreasemeaningful
participationbyenvironmentaljusticefocuspopulationsasrequiredby3
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V.S.A.chapter72.Duringthesecondapprovedplan,eachstewardship
organizationshallcarryoutasurveyofpublicawarenessregardingthe
requirementsoftheprogramestablishedunderthischapterthatcanidentify
communitiesthathavedisparitiesinawarenessandneedmoreoutreach.Each
stewardshiporganizationshallsharetheresultsofthepublicawareness
surveyswiththeSecretary.Ifmultiplestewardshiporganizationsare
implementingplansapprovedbytheSecretary,thestewardshiporganizations
shallcoordinateincarryingouttheireducationandoutreachresponsibilities
underthissubdivision(D)andshallincludeintheirannualreportstothe
Secretaryasummaryoftheircoordinatededucationandoutreachefforts.The
educationandoutreachprogramandwebsiteshallnotifythepublicofthe
following:
(i)thatthereisafreecollectionprogramforcoveredhousehold
hazardousproducts;
(ii)thelocationandhoursofoperationofcollectionpointsand
howacoveredentitycanaccessthiscollectionprogram;
(iii)thespecialhandlingconsiderationsassociatedwithcovered
householdhazardousproducts;and
(iv)sourcereductioninformationforconsumerstoreduceleftover
coveredhouseholdproducts.
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(E)Compliancewithappropriateenvironmentalstandards.In
implementingacollectionplan,astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywith
allapplicablelawsrelatedtothecollection,transportation,anddisposalof
hazardouswaste.Astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywithanyspecial
handlingordisposalstandardsestablishedbytheSecretaryforcovered
householdhazardousproductsorforthecollectionplanofthemanufacturer.
(F)Methodofdisposition.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehow
coveredhouseholdhazardousproductswillbemanagedinthemost
environmentallyandeconomicallysoundmanner,includingfollowingthe
waste-managementhierarchy.Themanagementofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproductsunderthecollectionplanshallusemanagementactivities
inthefollowingpriorityorder:sourcereduction,reuse,recycling,energy
recovery,anddisposal.Collectedcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsshall
berecycledwhentechnicallyandeconomicallyfeasible.
(G)Performancegoals.Acollectionplanshallinclude:
(i)Aperformancegoalforcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts
determinedbythenumberoftotalparticipantsatcollectioneventsand
facilitieslistedinthecollectionplanduringaprogramyeardividedbythe
totalnumberofhouseholds.Thenumberofhouseholdsshallincludeseasonal
households.Thecalculationmethodologyforthenumberofhouseholdsshall
beincludedintheplan.
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(ii)Ataminimum,thecollectionperformancegoalfortheinitial
planapprovedpursuanttosubdivision(b)(2)ofthissectionshallbeanannual
participationrateoffivepercentofthehouseholdsforeverycollection
programbasedonthenumberofhouseholdsthecollectionprogramserves.
Aftertheinitialapprovedprogramplan,thestewardshiporganizationshall
proposeperformancegoalsforsubsequentprogramplans.TheSecretaryshall
approvetheperformancegoalsfortheplanatleasteveryfiveyears.The
stewardshiporganizationshallusetheresultsofthemostrecentwaste
compositionstudyrequiredunder6604ofthistitleandotherrelevantfactors
toproposetheperformancegoalsofthecollectionplan.Ifastewardship
organizationdoesnotmeetitsperformancegoals,theSecretarymayrequire
thestewardshiporganizationtorevisethecollectionplantoprovideforoneor
moreofthefollowing:additionalpubliceducationandoutreach,additional
collectionevents,oradditionalhoursofoperationforcollectionsites.A
stewardshiporganizationisnotauthorizedtoreduceorceasecollection,
educationandoutreach,orotheractivitiesimplementedunderanapproved
planonthebasisofachievementofprogramperformancegoals.
(H)Collectionplanfunding.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehowthe
stewardshiporganizationwillfundtheimplementationofthecollectionplan
andcollectionactivitiesundertheplan,includingthecostsforeducationand
outreach,collection,processing,andend-of-lifemanagementofthecovered
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householdhazardousproduct.Collectioncostsincludefacilitycosts,
equipmentcosts,labor,supplies,maintenance,eventscosts,andevent
contractorcosts,includingcollectioneventset-upfees,environmentalservice
fees,insurancefees,andshippingcontainersandmaterials.Thecollection
planshallincludehowmunicipalitieswillbecompensatedforallcosts
attributedtocollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts.The
Secretaryshallresolvedisputesrelatingtocompensation.
(c)Termofcollectionplan.AcollectionplanapprovedbytheSecretary
undersection7187ofthistitleshallhaveatermnottoexceedfiveyears,
providedthatthestewardshiporganizationremainsincompliancewiththe
requirementsofthischapterandthetermsoftheapprovedcollectionplan.
(d)Collectionplanimplementation.Stewardshiporganizationsshall
implementthecollectionplanonorbeforesixmonthsafterthedateofafinal
decisionbytheSecretaryontheadequacyofthecollectionplan.
Sec.6.10V.S.A.§ 7184isamendedtoread:
§7184.STEWARDSHIPORGANIZATIONS
(a)Participationinastewardshiporganization.Amanufacturershallmeet
therequirementsofthischapterbyparticipatinginastewardshiporganization
thatundertakestheresponsibilitiesundersections7182,7183,and7185ofthis
title.
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(b)Qualificationsforastewardshiporganization.Toqualifyasa
stewardshiporganizationunderthischapter,anorganizationshall:
(1)committoassumetheresponsibilities,obligations,andliabilitiesof
allmanufacturersparticipatinginthestewardshiporganization;
(2)notcreateunreasonablebarriersforparticipationinthestewardship
organization;and
(3)maintainapublicwebsitethatlistsallmanufacturersand
manufacturers’brandsandproductscoveredbythestewardshiporganization’s
approvedcollectionplan.
(c)Astewardshiporganizationisauthorizedtochargeitsmembers
reasonablefeesfortheorganization,administration,andimplementationofthe
programsrequiredbythischapter.
Sec.7.10V.S.A.§ 7187isamendedtoread:
§7187.AGENCYRESPONSIBILITIES
(a)Reviewandapprovecollectionplans.TheSecretaryshallreviewand
approveordenycollectionplanssubmittedundersection7183ofthistitle
accordingtothepublicnoticeandcommentrequirementsofsection7714of
thistitle.
***
(g)Agencycollectionplan.Ifnostewardshiporganizationisformedonor
beforeJuly1,2025orthestewardshiporganizationfailstosubmitaplanor
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submitsaplanthatdoesnotmeettherequirementsofthischapter,the
Secretaryshalladoptandadministeraplanthatmeetstherequirementsof
section7183ofthistitle.IftheSecretaryadministerstheplanadoptedunder
section7183,theSecretaryshallchargeeachmanufacturertheproratedcosts
ofplanadministration,theAgency’soversightcosts,andahazardouswaste
reductionassessmentof10percentoftheplan’stotalcosttobedepositedin
theSolidWasteManagementAssistanceAccountoftheWasteManagement
AssistanceFund,forthepurposeofprovidinggrantstomunicipalitiesand
smallbusinessestopreventpollutionandreducethegenerationofhazardous
wasteintheState.Whendeterminingamanufacturer’sassessmentunderthis
section,theAgencymayallocatecoststoamanufacturerofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproductsbasedonthesalesofcoveredhouseholdhazardous
productsnationallyproratedtothepopulationofVermont.
Sec.8.10V.S.A.§ 6621aisamendedtoread:
§6621a.LANDFILLDISPOSALREQUIREMENTS
(a)Inaccordancewiththefollowingschedule,nopersonshallknowingly
disposeofthefollowingmaterialsinsolidwasteorinlandfills:
***
(12)CoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsafterJuly1,20252026.
***
Sec.9.SOLIDWASTEPLAN;FLEXIBILITY
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(a)Notwithstandingthemunicipalhouseholdhazardouswaste(HHW)
collectionrequirementsundertheStateSolidWastePlanadoptedpursuantto
10V.S.A.§6604,theSecretaryofNaturalResourcesmaygrantavariance
fromtherequirementtoconductatleasttwohouseholdhazardouswaste
collectioneventsinthatmunicipality.Thevarianceshallallowamunicipality
tomeetitsobligations,asfollows:
(1)themunicipalityhaspartneredwithanothermunicipalitytoallowits
residentstheabilitytoaccessapermanentHHWfacilityinthesamemanneras
themunicipalitythatoperatesthepermanentHHWfacility;
(2)themunicipalityhaspartneredwithanearbymunicipalitytooffer
collectioneventstomembersinbothmunicipalities;
(3)themunicipalityhasdemonstratedthatithasmadereasonable
effortstoprovidealternatecollectionopportunitiesidentifiedunder
subdivisions(1)and(2)ofthissubsectionandwasunableandthatthecostof
acollectioneventisunreasonable.InsuchcircumstancestheSecretaryof
NaturalResourcesmayreducetherequiredcollectioneventstooneperyear.
(b)ThissectionshallberepealedonJuly1,2027.
***PaintExtendedProducerResponsibility***
Sec.10.10V.S.A.chapter159,subchapter4isamendedtoread:
Subchapter4.PaintStewardshipProgram
§6671.PURPOSE
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Thepurposeofthissubchapteristoestablishanenvironmentallysound,
cost-effectivePaintStewardshipProgramintheStatethatwillundertake
responsibilityforthedevelopmentandimplementationofstrategiestoreduce
thegenerationofpostconsumerpaint;promotethereuseofpostconsumer
paint;andcollect,transport,andprocesspostconsumerpaint,includingreuse,
recycling,energyrecovery,anddisposal.ThePaintStewardshipProgramwill
followthewastemanagementhierarchyformanagingandreducing
postconsumerpaintintheorderasfollows:reduceconsumergenerationof
postconsumerpaint,reuse,recycle,provideforenergyrecovery,anddispose.
ThePaintStewardshipProgramwillprovidemoreopportunitiesforconsumers
tomanageproperlytheirpostconsumerpaint,providefiscalreliefforlocal
governmentinmanagingpostconsumerpaint,keeppaintoutofthewaste
stream,andconservenaturalresources.
§6672.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthissubchapter:
(1)“Aerosolcoatingproduct”meansapressurizedcoatingproduct
containingpigmentsorresinsdispensedbymeansofapropellantand
packagedandsoldinadisposableaerosolcontainerforhandheldapplication,
orforuseinspecializedequipmentforgroundtrafficormarkingapplications.
(2)“Architecturalpaint”meansinteriorandexteriorarchitectural
coatings,includinginteriororexteriorwater-andoil-basedcoatings,primers,
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sealers,orwoodcoatings,thataresoldincontainersoffivegallonsorless.
“Architecturalpaint”doesnotmeanindustrialcoatings,originalequipment
coatings,orspecialtycoatings.
(3)“Coating-relatedproduct”meansaproductusedasapaintadditive,
paintthinner,paintcolorant,paintremover,surfacesealant,surface
preparation,surfaceadhesive,andsoldforhomeimprovement.
(2)(4)“Distributor”meansacompanythathasacontractualrelationship
withoneormoreproducerstomarketandsellarchitecturalpainttoretailersin
Vermont.
(3)(5)“Energyrecovery”meansrecoveryinwhichallorapartofthe
solidwastematerialsareprocessedinordertousetheheatcontentorother
formsofenergyoforfromthematerial.
(4)(6)“Environmentallysoundmanagementpractices”meanspolicies
tobeimplementedbyaproducerorastewardshiporganizationtoensure
compliancewithallapplicablelawsandalsoaddressingsuchissuesas
adequaterecordkeeping,trackinganddocumentingthefateofmaterials
withintheStateandbeyond,andadequateenvironmentalliabilitycoveragefor
professionalservicesandfortheoperationsofthecontractorsworkingon
behalfoftheproducerorganization.
(5)(7)“Municipality”meansacity,town,oravillage.
(6)“Paintstewardshipassessment”meansaone-timechargethatis:
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(A)addedtothepurchasepriceofarchitecturalpaintsoldin
Vermont;
(B)passedfromtheproducertothewholesalepurchasertothe
retailerandthentoaretailconsumer;and
(C)necessarytocoverthecostofcollecting,transporting,and
processingthepostconsumerpaintmanagedthroughthestatewideProgram.
(8)“Nonindustrialcoating”meansartsandcraftspaint,automotive
refinishpaint,drivewaysealer,fauxfinishorglaze,furnitureoil,furniture
paint,limewash,limepaint,marinepaint,antifoulingpaint,roadandtraffic
markingpaint,two-componentpaint,woodpreservative,fireretardantpaint,
dryfogpaint,chalkboardpaint,andconductivepaint,soldincontainersoffive
gallonsorlessforcommercialandhomeowneruse,butdoesnotinclude
coatingspurchasedforindustrialororiginalequipmentmanufactureruse.
(9)(A)“Paintproduct”includes:
(i)architecturalcoatings;
(ii)aerosolcoatingproducts;
(iii)coating-relatedproducts;and
(iv)nonindustrialcoatings.
(B)“Paintproduct”doesnotincludeahealthandbeautyproduct.
(7)(10)“Postconsumerpaint”meansarchitecturalapaintproductandits
containersnotusedandnolongerwantedbyapurchaser.
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(8)(11)“Producer”meansamanufacturerofarchitecturalpaintproducts
whosells,offersforsale,ordistributesthatpaintinVermontunderthe
producer’sownnameorbrand.
(9)(12)“Recycling”meansanyprocessbywhichdiscardedproducts,
components,andby-productsaretransformedintonewusableormarketable
materialsinamannerinwhichtheoriginalproductsmaylosetheiridentitybut
doesnotincludeenergyrecoveryorenergygenerationbymeansof
combustingdiscardedproducts,components,andby-productswithorwithout
otherwasteproducts.
(10)(13)“Retailer”meansanypersonthatoffersarchitecturalpaintfor
saleatretailinVermont.
(11)(14)“Reuse”meansthereturnofaproductintotheeconomic
streamforuseinthesamekindofapplicationasoriginallyintended,withouta
changeintheproduct’sidentity.
(12)(15)“Secretary”meanstheSecretaryofNaturalResources.
(13)(16)“Sell”or“sale”meansanytransferoftitleforconsideration,
includingremotesalesconductedthroughsalesoutlets,catalogues,orthe
Internetoranyothersimilarelectronicmeans.
(14)(17)“Stewardshiporganization”meansanonprofitcorporationor
nonprofitorganizationcreatedbyaproducerorgroupofproducersto
implementthePaintStewardshipProgramrequiredunderthissubchapter.
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§6673.PAINTPRODUCTSTEWARDSHIPPROGRAM
(a)Aproducerorastewardshiporganizationrepresentingproducersshall
submitaplanfortheestablishmentofaPaintProductStewardshipProgramto
theSecretaryforapprovalbyDecember1,2013.Theplanshalladdressthe
following:
(1)Providealistofparticipatingproducersandbrandscoveredbythe
Program.
(2)Providespecificinformationonthearchitecturalpaintproducts
coveredundertheProgram,suchasinteriororexteriorwater-andoil-based
coatings,primers,sealers,orwoodcoatings.
(3)DescribehowtheProgramproposedundertheplanwillcollect,
transport,recycle,andprocesspostconsumerpaintproductsforend-of-life
management,includingrecycling,energyrecovery,anddisposal,using
environmentallysoundmanagementpractices.
(4)DescribetheProgramandhowitwillprovideforconvenientand
availablestatewidecollectionofpostconsumerarchitecturalpaintproductsin
urbanandruralareasoftheState.Theproducerorstewardshiporganization
shallusetheexistinghouseholdhazardouswastecollectioninfrastructurewhen
selectingcollectionpointsforpostconsumerarchitecturalpaintproducts.A
paintretailershallbeauthorizedasapaintcollectionpointofpostconsumer
architecturalpaintforaPaintProductStewardshipProgramifthepaintretailer
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volunteerstoactasapaintcollectionpointandcomplieswithallapplicable
laws,rules,andregulations.
(5)Providegeographicinformationmodelingtodeterminethenumber
anddistributionofsitesforcollectionofpostconsumerarchitecturalpaint
basedonthefollowingcriteria:
(A)atleast90percentofVermontresidentsshallhaveapermanent
collectionsitewithina15-mileradius;and
(B)oneadditionalpermanentsitewillbeestablishedforevery
10,000residentsofamunicipalityandadditionalsitesshallbedistributedto
provideconvenientandreasonablyequitableaccessforresidentswithineach
municipality,unlessotherwiseapprovedbytheSecretary.
(6)Establishgoalstoreducethegenerationofpostconsumerpaint
products,topromotethereuseofpostconsumerpaintproducts,andforthe
propermanagementofpostconsumerpaintproductsaspracticalbasedon
currenthouseholdhazardouswasteprograminformation.Thegoalsmaybe
revisedbytheproducerorstewardshiporganizationbasedontheinformation
collectedfortheannualreport.
(7)Describehowpostconsumerpaintproductswillbemanagedinthe
mostenvironmentallyandeconomicallysoundmanner,includingfollowing
thewaste-managementhierarchy.Themanagementofpaintunderthe
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Programshallusemanagementactivitiesthatpromotesourcereduction,reuse,
recycling,energyrecovery,anddisposal.
(8)Describeeducationandoutreacheffortstoinformconsumersof
collectionopportunitiesforpostconsumerpaintproductsandtopromotethe
sourcereductionandrecyclingofarchitecturalpaintproductsforeachofthe
following:consumers,contractors,andretailers.
(b)Theproducerorstewardshiporganizationshallsubmitabudgetforthe
Programproposedundersubsection(a)ofthissection,andforanyamendment
totheplanthatwouldaffecttheProgram’scosts.Thebudgetshallincludea
fundingmechanismunderwhicheacharchitecturalpaintproducerremitstoa
stewardshiporganizationpaymentofapaintstewardshipassessmentforeach
containerofarchitecturalpaintitsellsinthisState.Priortosubmittingthe
proposedbudgetandassessmenttotheSecretary,theproducerorstewardship
organizationshallprovidethebudgetandassessmenttoathird-partyauditor
agreeduponbytheSecretary.Thethird-partyauditorshallprovidea
recommendationastowhethertheproposedbudgetandassessmentiscost-
effective,reasonable,andlimitedtocoveringthecostoftheProgram.The
paintstewardshipassessmentshallbeaddedtothecostofallarchitectural
paintsoldinVermont.Toensurethatthefundingmechanismisequitableand
sustainable,auniformpaintstewardshipassessmentshallbeestablishedforall
architecturalpaintsold.Thepaintstewardshipassessmentshallbeapproved
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bytheSecretaryandshallbesufficienttorecover,butnotexceed,thecostsof
thePaintStewardshipProgram.[Repealed.]
(c)BeginningnolaterthanJuly1,2014,orthreeSixmonthsafterapproval
oftheplanforaPaintProductStewardshipProgramrequiredundersubsection
(a)ofthissection,whicheveroccurslater,aproducerofarchitecturalpaint
productssoldatretailorastewardshiporganizationofwhichaproducerisa
membershallimplementtheapprovedplanforaPaintProductStewardship
Program.
(d)Aproducerorastewardshiporganizationofwhichaproducerisa
membershallpromoteaPaintProductStewardshipProgramandprovide
consumerswitheducationalandinformationalmaterialsdescribingcollection
opportunitiesforpostconsumerpaintproductsStatewideandpromotionof
wasteprevention,reuse,andrecycling.Theeducationalandinformational
programshallmakeconsumersawarethatthefundingfortheoperationofthe
PaintProductStewardshipProgramhasbeenaddedtothepurchasepriceofall
architecturalpaintproductssoldintheState.
(e)Aplanapprovedunderthissectionshallprovideforcollectionof
postconsumerarchitecturalpaintatnocosttothepersonfromwhomthe
architecturalpaintproductiscollected.
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(f)Whenaplanoramendmenttoanapprovedplanissubmittedunderthis
section,theSecretaryshallmaketheproposedplanoramendmentavailable
forpublicreviewandcommentforatleast30days.
(g)Aproducerorpaintstewardshiporganizationshallsubmittothe
Secretaryforreview,inthesamemannerasrequiredundersubsection6675(a)
ofthistitle,anamendmenttoanapprovedplanwhenthereis:
(1)achangetoapaintstewardshipassessmentundertheplan;
(2)anadditiontoorremovalofacategoryofproductscoveredunder
theProgram;or
(3)(2)arevisionoftheproductstewardshiporganization’sgoals.
(h)AplanapprovedbytheSecretaryundersection6675ofthistitleshall
haveatermnottoexceedfiveyears,providedthattheproducerremainsin
compliancewiththerequirementsofthischapterandthetermsofthe
approvedplan.
(i)Inadditiontotherequirementsspecifiedinsubsection(a)ofthis
section,astewardshiporganizationshallnotifytheSecretaryinwritingwithin
30daysofbeforeanychangeto:
(1)thenumberofcollectionsitesforpostconsumerarchitecturalpaint
productsidentifiedunderthissectionaspartoftheplan;
(2)theproducersidentifiedunderthissectionaspartoftheplan;
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(3)thebrandsofarchitecturalpaintproductsidentifiedunderthis
sectionaspartoftheplan;and
(4)theprocessorsthatmanagepostconsumerarchitecturalpaint
productsidentifiedunderthissectionaspartoftheplan.
(j)UponsubmissionofaplantotheSecretaryunderthissection,a
producerorastewardshiporganizationshallpaythefeerequiredby3V.S.A.
§ 2822(j)(31).Thereafter,theproducerorstewardshiporganizationshallpay
thefeerequiredby3V.S.A.§2822(j)(31)annuallybyJuly1ofeachyear.
§6674.RETAILERRESPONSIBILITY
(a)Aproducerorretailermaynotsellorofferforsalearchitecturalapaint
producttoanypersoninVermontunlesstheproducerofthatarchitectural
paintbrandorastewardshipprogramofwhichtheproducerofthat
architecturalpaintbrandisamemberthattheproducerisamemberofis
implementinganapprovedplanforaPaintProductStewardshipProgramas
requiredbysection6673ofthistitle.Aretailercomplieswiththe
requirementsofthissectionif,onthedatethearchitecturalpaintproductwas
orderedfromtheproduceroritsagent,theproducerorpaintbrandislistedon
theAgencyofNaturalResources’websiteasaproducerorbrandparticipating
inanapprovedplanforaPaintProductStewardshipProgram.
(b)Atthetimeofsaletoaconsumer,aproducer,astewardship
organization,oraretailersellingorofferingarchitecturalpaintproductsfor
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saleshallprovidetheconsumerwithinformationregardingavailable
managementoptionsforpostconsumerpaintproductscollectedthroughthe
PaintProductStewardshipProgramorabrandofpaintbeingsoldunderthe
Program.
§6675.AGENCYRESPONSIBILITY
(a)(1)Within90daysofafterreceiptofaplansubmittedundersection
6673ofthistitle,theSecretaryshallreviewtheplanandmakeadetermination
whetherornottoapprovetheplan.TheSecretaryshallissuealetterof
approvalforasubmittedplanif:
(A)thesubmittedplanprovidesfortheestablishmentofaPaint
ProductStewardshipProgramthatmeetstherequirementsofsubsection
6673(a)ofthissubchapter;and
(B)theSecretarydeterminesthattheplan:
(i)achievesconvenientcollectionforconsumers;
(ii)educatesthepubliconproperpaintproductmanagement;and
(iii)manageswastepaintproductsinamannerthatis
environmentallysafeandpromotesreuseandrecycling;and
(iv)iscost-effective.
(2)IftheSecretarydoesnotapproveasubmittedplan,theSecretary
shallissuetothepaintproductstewardshiporganizationaletterlistingthe
reasonsforthedisapprovaloftheplan.IftheSecretarydisapprovesaplan,a
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paintproductstewardshiporganizationintendingtosellorcontinuetosell
architecturalpaintintheStateshallsubmitanewplanwithin60daysofafter
receiptoftheletterofdisapproval.
(b)(1)TheSecretaryshallreviewandapprovethestewardshipassessment
proposedbyaproducerpursuanttosubsection6673(b)ofthistitle.The
SecretaryshallonlyapprovetheProgrambudgetandanyassessmentifthe
applicanthasdemonstratedthatthecostsoftheProgramandanyproposed
assessmentarereasonableandtheassessmentdoesnotexceedthecostsof
implementinganapprovedplan.
(2)Ifanamendedplanissubmittedundersubsection6673(g)ofthis
titlethatproposestochangethecostoftheProgramorproposestochangethe
paintstewardshipassessmentundertheplan,thedisapprovalofanyproposed
newassessmentorthefailureofanapprovednewassessmenttocoverthetotal
costsoftheProgramshallnotrelieveaproducerorstewardshiporganization
ofitsobligationtocontinuetoimplementtheapprovedplanunderthe
originallyapprovedassessment.
(c)FacilitiessolelycollectingpaintproductsforthePaintProduct
StewardshipProgramthatwouldnototherwisebesubjecttosolidwaste
certificationrequirementsshallnotberequiredtoobtainasolidwaste
certification.PersonssolelytransportingpaintforthePaintProduct
StewardshipProgramthatwouldnototherwisebesubjecttosolidwastehauler
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permittingrequirementsshallnotberequiredtoobtainasolidwastehauler’s
permit.
§6676.ANTICOMPETITIVECONDUCT
(a)Aproduceroranorganizationofproducersthatmanagespostconsumer
paint,includingcollection,transport,recycling,andprocessingof
postconsumerpaint,asrequiredbythissubchaptermayengagein
anticompetitiveconducttotheextentnecessarytoimplementtheplan
approvedbytheSecretaryandisimmunefromliabilityfortheconduct
relatingtoantitrust,restraintoftrade,unfairtradepractices,andother
regulationoftradeorcommerce.
(b)Theactivityauthorizedandtheimmunityaffordedundersubsection(a)
ofthissectionshallnotapplytoanyagreementamongproducersorpaint
stewardshiporganizations:
(1)establishingoraffectingthepriceofpaint,exceptforthepaint
stewardshipassessmentapprovedundersubsection6675(b)ofthistitle;
(2)settingorlimitingtheoutputorproductionofpaint;
(3)settingorlimitingthevolumeofpaintsoldinageographicarea;
(4)restrictingthegeographicareawherepaintwillbesold;or
(5)restrictingthecustomerstowhompaintwillbesoldorthevolumeof
paintthatwillbesoldAmanufacturerorrepresentativeorganization
implementingorparticipatinginastewardshipprogramasrequiredbythis
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subchaptershallnotbeliableforanyclaimofaviolationofantitrust,restraint
oftrade,unfairtradepractice,orotheranticompetitiveconductarisingfrom
conductundertakeninaccordancewiththeprogram.
§6677.PRODUCERREPORTINGREQUIREMENTS
NolaterthanOctober15,2015,andannuallythereafter,Annually,onor
beforeOctober15,aproducerorastewardshipprogramofwhichtheproducer
isamembershallsubmittotheSecretaryareportdescribingthePaintProduct
StewardshipProgramthattheproducerorStewardshipProgramis
implementingasrequiredbysection6673ofthistitle.Ataminimum,the
reportshallinclude:
(1)adescriptionofthemethodstheproducerorStewardshipProgram
usedtoreduce,reuse,collect,transport,recycle,andprocesspostconsumer
paintproductsstatewideinVermont;
(2)thevolumeandtypeofpostconsumerpaintproductscollectedbythe
producerorStewardshipProgramateachcollectioncenterinallregionsof
Vermont;
(3)thevolumeofpostconsumerpaintproductscollectedbythe
producerorStewardshipPrograminVermontbymethodofdisposition,
includingreuse,recycling,energyrecovery,anddisposal;
(4)anindependentfinancialauditofthePaintProductStewardship
ProgramimplementedbytheproducerortheStewardshipProgram;
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(5)theprioryear’sactualdirectandindirectcostsforeachProgram
elementandtheadministrativeandoverheadcostsofadministeringthe
approvedProgram;and
(6)samplesoftheeducationalmaterialsthattheproduceror
stewardshipprogramprovidedtoconsumersofarchitecturalpaint..
***
§6680.UNIVERSALWASTEDESIGNATIONFORPOSTCONSUMER
PAINT
(a)TherequirementsofSubchapter9oftheVermontHazardousWaste
ManagementRules,whichallowcertaincategoriesofhazardouswastetobe
managedasuniversalwaste,shallapplytopostconsumerpaintproductsuntil
thepostconsumerpaintisdiscarded,providedthat:
(1)thepostconsumerpaintproductiscollectedasapartofa
stewardshipplanapprovedunderthissubchapter;and
(2)thecollectedpostconsumerpaintproductisorincludesapaint
productthatisahazardouswasteasdefinedandregulatedbytheVermont
HazardousWasteManagementRules.
(b)Whenpostconsumerpaintproductisregulatedasuniversalwasteunder
subsection(a)ofthissection,smallandlargequantityhandlersofthe
postconsumerpaintshallmanagethepostconsumerpaintproductsinamanner
thatpreventsreleasesofanyuniversalwasteorcomponentoftheuniversal
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wastetotheenvironment.Postconsumerpaintproductsregulatedasuniversal
wasteshall,ataminimum,becontainedinoneormoreofthefollowing:
(1)acontainerthatremainsclosed,structurallysound,andcompatible
withthepostconsumerpaintproductsandthatlacksevidenceofleakage,
spillage,ordamagethatcouldcauseleakageunderreasonablyforeseeable
conditions;or
(2)acontainerthatdoesnotmeettherequirementsofsubdivision(1)of
thissubsection,providedthattheunacceptablecontainerisoverpackedina
containerthatmeetstherequirementsofsubdivision(1).
(c)Containersholdingpostconsumerpaintproductsthatisareregulatedas
universalwasteshallbeclearlylabeledtoclearlyidentifythecontentsofthe
container,suchas“Paint-RelatedWaste,”“UniversalWastePaint,”“Used
Paint,”or“WastePaint.”
(d)Unlessotherwiseprovidedbystatute,thedefinitionsoftheVermont
HazardousWasteManagementRulesshallapplytothissection.
§6681.PAINTCONSUMERFEES
Aretailershallchargethefollowingfeesonpaintandremitthefeestothe
approvedstewardshiporganizationfortheadministrationofprogramapproved
bytheSecretary:
(1)Halfpintorsmaller:	Nofee.
(2)Greaterthanahalfpinttoonegallon:	$0.65.
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(3)Greaterthanonegallontotwogallons: $1.35.
(4)Greaterthantwogallonstofivegallons: $2.45.
Sec.11.IMPLEMENTATION
(a)Therequirementsforthesaleofpaintproductsunder10V.S.A.§6673
shallapplytoarchitecturalcoatingsbeginningonJuly1,2013andallpaint
productsbeginningJuly1,2026.
(b)Therequirementunder10V.S.A.§6673foranarchitecturalcoatings
producertosubmitastewardshipplantotheSecretaryofNaturalResources
currentlyappliestoproducersofarchitecturalcoatingsasrequiredbeginning
onJuly1,2013andshallalsoapplytoproducersofpaintrelatedproducts
beginningonJuly1,2026.
(c)Therequirementunder10V.S.A.§6677thatanarchitecturalcoatings
producerannuallyreporttotheSecretaryofNaturalResourcescurrently
appliestoproducersofarchitecturalcoatingsasrequiredbeginningonJuly1,
2013andshallalsoapplytoproducersofpaintrelatedproductsbeginningon
March1,2027.
***HealthyHomesInitiative***
Sec.12.2024ActsandResolvesNo.78,Sec.B.1103isamendedtoread:
Sec.B.1103CLIMATEANDENVIRONMENT –FISCALYEAR2024
ONE-TIMEAPPROPRIATIONS
***
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(j)(1)Infiscalyear2024,theamountof$6,100,000AmericanRescuePlan
Act(ARPA)–CoronavirusStateFiscalRecoveryFundsisappropriatedtothe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationfortheHealthyHomesInitiative.
Fundsshallbeusedtomakerepairsorimprovementstodrinkingwater,
wastewater,orstormwatersystemsforVermonterswhohavelowtomoderate
incomeorwholiveinmanufacturedhousingcommunities,orboth.
(2)AllinformationsubmittedtoorcompiledbytheDepartmentof
EnvironmentalConservationrelatedtotheissuanceofindividualfunding
awardsundertheHealthyHomesInitiativeshallbeconsideredconfidential
unlessthepersonprovidingtheinformationdesignatesthatitisnot
confidential.Thisshallincludeallpersonalinformationofapplicantsthat
requestorreceivefunding.Notwithstanding1V.S.A.§ 214,thissubdivision
shalltakeeffectonpassageandshallapplyretroactivelytoJuly1,2023.
***
***FloodSafety***
Sec.13.2024ActandResolvesNo.121,Sec.3isamendedtoread:
Sec.3.DEPARTMENTOFENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION;
RIVERCORRIDORBASEMAP;INFILLMAPPING;
EDUCATIONANDOUTREACH
(a)OnorbeforeJanuary1,20262027,theDepartmentofEnvironmental
Conservation,inconsultationwiththeAgencyofCommerceandCommunity
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Developmentandtheregionalplanningcommissions,shallamendby
procedurethestatewideRiverCorridorBaseMaptoidentifyareassuitablefor
developmentthatarelocatedwithinexistingsettlementsandthatwillnotcause
orcontributetoincreasesinfluvialerosionhazards.
(b)BeginningonJanuary1,2025andendingonJanuary1,20272028,the
DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationshallconductaneducationand
outreachprogramtoconsultwithandcollectinputfrommunicipalities,
environmentaljusticefocuspopulations,theEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisory
Council,businesses,propertyowners,farmers,andothermembersofthe
publicregardinghowStatepermittingofdevelopmentinmappedriver
corridorswillbeimplemented,includingpotentialrestrictionsontheuseof
landwithinmappedrivercorridors.TheDepartmentshalldevelopeducational
materialsforthepublicaspartofitschargeunderthissection.The
Departmentshallcollectinputfromthepublicregardingthepermittingof
developmentinmappedrivercorridorsasproposedbythisact.Onorbefore
January15,20272028anduntilpermittingofdevelopmentinmappedriver
corridorsbeginsunder10V.S.A.§ 754,theDepartmentshallsubmittothe
SenateCommitteeonNaturalResourcesandEnergy,theHouseCommitteeon
EnvironmentandEnergy,andtheEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryCouncila
reportthatshallinclude:
(1)asummaryofthepublicinputitreceivedregardingStatepermitting
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ofdevelopmentinmappedrivercorridorsduringthepubliceducationand
outreachrequiredunderthissection;
(2)recommendations,basedonthepublicinputcollected,forchanges
totherequirementsforStatepermittingofdevelopmentinmappedriver
corridors;
(3)ananalysisandsummaryofStatepermittingofdevelopmentin
mappedrivercorridorsonenvironmentaljusticepopulations;and
(4)asummaryoftheDepartment’sprogressinadoptingtherules
requiredunder10V.S.A.§754fortheregulationofdevelopmentinmapped
rivercorridors.
Sec.14.10V.S.A.§ 754isamendedtoread:
§754.MAPPEDRIVERCORRIDORRULES
(a)Rulemakingauthority.
(1)OnorbeforeJuly1,2027July15,2028,theSecretaryshalladopt
rulespursuantto3V.S.A.chapter25thatestablishrequirementsforissuing
andenforcingpermitsfor:
(A)alldevelopmentwithinamappedrivercorridorintheState;and
(B)fordevelopmentexemptfrommunicipalregulationinflood
hazardareas.
(2)TheSecretaryshallnotadoptrulesunderthissubsectionthat
regulateagriculturalactivitieswithouttheconsentoftheSecretaryof
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Agriculture,FoodandMarkets,providedthattheSecretaryofAgriculture,
FoodandMarketsshallnotwithholdconsentunderthissubdivisionwhenlack
ofsuchconsentwouldresultintheState’snoncompliancewiththeNational
FloodInsuranceProgram.
(3)TheSecretaryshallseektheguidanceoftheFederalEmergency
ManagementAgencyindevelopinganddraftingtherulesrequiredbythis
sectioninordertoensurethattherulesaresufficienttomeeteligibility
requirementsfortheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram.
***
(e)Permitrequirement.BeginningonJanuary1,2028July1,2029,a
personshallnotcommenceorconductdevelopmentexemptfrommunicipal
regulationinafloodhazardareaorcommenceorconductanydevelopmentin
amappedrivercorridorwithoutapermitissuedundertherulesrequiredunder
subsection(a)ofthissectionbytheSecretaryorbyaStateagencydelegated
permittingauthorityundersubsection(f)ofthissection.Whenanapplication
isfiledunderthissection,theSecretaryordelegatedStateagencyshall
proceedinaccordancewithchapter170ofthistitle.
***
Sec.15.2024ActsandResolves121,Sec.10isamendedtoread:
Sec.10.STUDYCOMMITTEEONSTATEADMINISTRATIONOF
THENATIONALFLOODINSURANCEPROGRAM
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***
(e)Report.OnorbeforeAugust15,20252026,theStudyCommittee
shallsubmitawrittenreporttotheGeneralAssemblywithitsfindingsandany
recommendationsforlegislativeaction.Anyrecommendationforlegislative
actionshallbeasdraftlegislation.
***
Sec.16.2024ActsandResolves121,Sec.11(a)isamendedtoread:
(a)TheSecretaryofNaturalResourcesshallinitiaterulemaking,including
pre-rulemaking,fortherulesrequiredinSec.5ofthisact,10V.S.A.§ 754
(rivercorridordevelopment),notlaterthanJuly1,2025.Therulesshallbe
adoptedonorbeforeJuly1,20272028.
Sec.17.2024ActsandResolvesNo.121,Sec.29(b)isamendedtoread:
(b)AllothersectionsshalltakeeffectJuly1,2024,exceptthat:
(1)Secs.6a,7,8,8a,and9(conformingamendmentstomunicipalriver
corridorplanning)shalltakeeffectonJanuary1,2028,exceptthatinSec.9,
24V.S.A.§ 4424(a)(2)(B)(i)(municipalcompliancewiththeStateFlood
HazardAreaStandards)shalltakeeffectonJanuary1,20262028;
***
***Wetlands***
Sec.18.10V.S.A.§ 918isamendedtoread:
§918.NETGAINOFWETLANDS;STATEGOAL;RULEMAKING
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(a)OnorbeforeJuly1December1,2025,theSecretaryofNatural
ResourcesshallamendtheVermontWetlandsRulespursuantto3V.S.A.
chapter25toclarifythatthegoalofwetlandsregulationandmanagementin
theStateisthenetgainofwetlandstobeachievedthroughprotectionof
existingwetlandsandrestorationofwetlandsthatwerepreviouslyadversely
affected.Thisconditionshallnotapplytowetland,river,andfloodplain
restorationprojects,includingdamremovals.
***
(c)Ataminimum,theWetlandsRulesshallberevisedto:
(1)Requireanapplicantforawetlandpermitthatauthorizesadverse
impactstomorethan5,000squarefeetofwetlandstocompensateforthose
impactsthroughrestoration,enhancement,orcreationofwetlandresources.
(2)Incorporatethenetgainruleintorequirementsforpermitsissued
afterSeptember1December1,2025.
***
***Dams***
Sec.19.2024ActsandResolvesNo.121,Sec.22isamendedtoread:
Sec.22.STUDYCOMMITTEEONDAMEMERGENCYOPERATIONS
PLANNING
(a)Creation.ThereiscreatedtheStudyCommitteeonDamEmergency
OperationsPlanningtoreviewandrecommendhowtoimproveregional
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emergencyactionplanningforhazardscausedbydamfailure,includinghow
toshiftresponsibilityforemergencyplanningfromindividualmunicipalities
toregionalauthorities,howtoimproveregionalimplementationofdam
emergencyresponseplans,andhowtofunddamemergencyactionplanningat
theregionallevel.
***
(e)Report.OnorbeforeDecember15,20242025,theStudyCommittee
shallsubmitawrittenreporttotheGeneralAssemblywithitsfindingsandany
recommendationsforlegislativeaction.Anyrecommendationforlegislative
actionshallbesubmittedasdraftlegislation.
(f)Meetings.
(1)TheSecretaryofNaturalResourcesordesigneeshallcallthefirst
meetingoftheStudyCommittee.
(2)TheCommitteeshallselectachairfromamongitsmembersatthe
firstmeeting.
(3)AmajorityofthemembershipoftheStudyCommitteeshall
constituteaquorum.
(4)TheStudyCommitteeshallceasetoexistonMarch1,20252026.
***
Sec.20.2024ActsandResolvesNo.121,Sec.24(f)isamendedtoread:
(f)OnorbeforeJanuary15September1,2025,theAgencyofNatural
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Resourcesshallcompleteitsanalysisofthecapitalandongoingoperationsand
maintenancecostsoftheGreenRiverDam,asauthorizedin2022Actsand
ResolvesNo.83,Sec.46,andshallsubmittheresultsoftheanalysistothe
HouseCommitteesonEnvironmentandEnergyandonAppropriationsandthe
SenateCommitteesonNaturalResourcesandEnergyandonAppropriations.
***EffectiveDate***
Sec.21.EFFECTIVEDATE
Thisactshalltakeeffectonpassage.
***BatteryExtendedProducerResponsibility***
Sec.1.2024ActsandResolvesNo.152,Sec.3isamendedtoread:
Sec.3.ANRBATTERYASSESSMENT
(a)OnorbeforeJuly1,2026,theSecretaryofNaturalResources2027,the
stewardshiporganizationformedpursuantto10V.S.A.chapter168shall
completeanassessmentoftheopportunities,challenges,andfeasibilityof
establishingmandatoryend-of-lifemanagementprogramsforthefollowing
batterytypes:
(1)batteriesusedinhybridandelectricvehicles;
(2)batteryenergystoragesystems;and
(3)batteriesthatarenoteasilyremovablefromtheproductstheypower.
(b)Theassessmentrequiredbythissectionshallinclude:
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(1)asummaryoftheworkandprogressotherstateshavemadein
establishingend-of-lifemanagementprogramsforthethreebatterytypeslisted
undersubsection(a)ofthissection;and
(2)policyrecommendationsonwhethermandatoryend-of-life
managementprogramsarenecessaryforthebatterytypeslistedunder
subsection(a)ofthissection.
(c)Theassessmentrequiredbythissectionshallbeprovidedtothe
SecretaryofNaturalResources,theHouseCommitteeonEnvironmentand
Energy,andtheSenateCommitteeonNaturalResourcesandEnergy.
***FuelStorageTanks***
Sec.2.10V.S.A.§ 1927(d)isamendedtoread:
(d)Nopersonshalldeliveraregulatedsubstancetoacategoryonetank
thatisvisiblydesignatedbytheAgencyasnothavingavalidpermitornot
meetingstandardsadoptedbytheSecretaryrelatedtocorrosionprotection,
spillprevention,leakdetection,financialresponsibility,oroverfillprotection
thatmayresultinthetankreleasingaregulatedsubstancetotheenvironment.
***HouseholdHazardousWasteExtendedProducerResponsibility***
Sec.3.10V.S.A.§ 7181isamendedtoread:
§7181.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthischapter:
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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(4)(A)“Coveredhouseholdhazardousproduct”meansaconsumer
productofferedforretailsalethatiscontainedinthereceptacleinwhichthe
productisofferedforretailsale,iftheproducthasanyofthefollowing
characteristics:
(i)theproductoracomponentoftheproductisahazardouswaste
undersubchapter2oftheVermontHazardousWasteManagement
Regulations,regardlessofthestatusofthegeneratorofthehazardouswaste;
or
(ii)theproductisagascylinder.
(B)“Coveredhouseholdhazardousproduct”doesnotmeananyof
thefollowing:
***
(iv)architecturalpaintasthattermisdefinedinsection6672of
thistitle;
***
Sec.4.10V.S.A.§ 7182isamendedtoread:
§7182.SALEOFCOVEREDHOUSEHOLDHAZARDOUSPRODUCTS;
STEWARDSHIPORGANIZATIONREGISTRATION;
MANUFACTURER REGISTRATION
(a)Saleprohibited. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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(1)Amanufacturerofacoveredhouseholdhazardousproductshallnot
sell,offerforsale,ordelivertoaretailerforsubsequentsaleacovered
householdhazardousproductwithoutregisteringwiththestewardship
organizationpursuanttosubsection(c)ofthissection.
(2)Beginningsixmonthsafterafinaldecisionontheadequacyofa
collectionplanbytheSecretary,amanufacturerofacoveredhousehold
hazardousproductshallnotsell,offerforsale,ordelivertoaretailerfor
subsequentsaleacoveredhouseholdhazardousproductunlessallthe
followinghavebeenmet:
(1)(A)Themanufacturerisparticipatinginastewardship
organizationimplementinganapprovedcollectionplan.
(2)(B)Thenameofthemanufacturer,themanufacturer’sbrand,and
thenameofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproductaresubmittedtothe
AgencyofNaturalResourcesbyastewardshiporganizationandlistedonthe
stewardshiporganization’swebsiteascoveredbyanapprovedcollectionplan.
(3)(C)Thestewardshiporganizationinwhichthemanufacturer
participateshassubmittedanannualreportconsistentwiththerequirementsof
section7185ofthistitle.
(4)(D)Thestewardshiporganizationinwhichthemanufacturer
participateshasconductedaplanauditconsistentwiththerequirementsof
subsection7185(b)ofthistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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(b)Stewardshiporganizationregistrationrequirements.
(1)OnorbeforeJuly1,2025andannuallythereafter,astewardship
organizationshallfilearegistrationformwiththeSecretary.TheSecretary
shallprovidetheregistrationformtothestewardshiporganization.The
registrationformshallinclude:
(A)alistofthemanufacturersparticipatinginthestewardship
organization;
(B)alistofthebrandsofeachmanufacturerparticipatinginthe
stewardshiporganization;
(C)alistofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsofeach
manufacturerparticipatinginthestewardshiporganization;
(D)thename,address,andcontactinformationofaperson
responsibleforensuringcompliancewiththischapter;
(E)adescriptionofhowthestewardshiporganizationmeetsthe
requirementsofsubsection7184(b)ofthistitle,includinganyreasonable
requirementsforparticipationinthestewardshiporganization;and
(F)(B)thename,address,andcontactinformationofapersonfora
nonmembermanufacturertocontactregardinghowtoparticipateinthe
stewardshiporganizationtosatisfytherequirementsofthischapter.
(2)Arenewalofaregistrationwithoutchangesmaybeaccomplished
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AgencyBeginningJuly1,2026andannuallythereafter,astewardship
organizationshallrenewitsregistrationwiththeSecretary.Arenewal
registrationshallincludethefollowing:
(A)alistofthemanufacturersparticipatinginthestewardship
organization;
(B)alistofthebrandsofeachmanufacturerparticipatinginthe
stewardshiporganization;
(C)alistofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsofeach
manufacturerparticipatinginthestewardshiporganization;
(D)thename,address,andcontactinformationofaperson
responsibleforensuringcompliancewiththischapter;
(E)adescriptionofhowthestewardshiporganizationmeetsthe
requirementsofsubsection7184(b)ofthistitle,includinganyreasonable
requirementsforparticipationinthestewardshiporganization;and
(F)thename,address,andcontactinformationofapersonfora
nonmembermanufacturertocontactregardinghowtoparticipateinthe
stewardshiporganizationtosatisfytherequirementsofthischapter.
(c)Manufacturerregistration.OnorbeforeNovember1,2025,a
manufacturerofacoveredhouseholdhazardousproductshallregisterwiththe
stewardshiporganizationinamannerproscribedbythestewardship
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Sec.5.10V.S.A.§ 7183isamendedtoread:
§7183.COLLECTIONPLANS
(a)Collectionplanrequired.PriortoJuly1,2025OnorbeforeJuly1,
2026,anystewardshiporganizationregisteredwiththeSecretaryas
representingmanufacturersofcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsshall
coordinateandsubmittotheSecretaryforreviewonecollectionplanforall
manufacturers.
(b)Collectionplan;minimumrequirements.Eachcollectionplanshall
include,ataminimum,allofthefollowingrequirements:
(1)Initialplan.Theinitialplanshalllastforaperiodnottoexceed
threeyearsandcontain,ataminimum,thefollowingrequirements:
(A)Listofparticipants.Alistofthemanufacturers,brands,and
productsparticipatinginthecollectionplanandamethodologyforadding
andremovingmanufacturersandnotifyingtheAgencyofnewparticipants.
(2)(B)Freestatewidecollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardous
products.Thecollectionprogramshallprovidereimbursemunicipalitieswhen
amunicipalityprovidesforfree,convenient,andaccessiblestatewide
opportunitiesforthecollectionfromcoveredentitiesofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproducts,includingorphancoveredproducts.Astewardship
organizationshallacceptallcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductscollected
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hazardousproduct,includingorphancoveredhouseholdproducts,basedon
thebrandormanufacturerofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproductunless
specificallyexemptfromthisrequirement.Thecollectionprogramshallalso
provideforthepaymentofcollection,processing,andend-of-lifemanagement
ofthecoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts.Collectioncostsincludefacility
costs,equipmentcosts,labor,supplies,maintenance,eventscosts,andevent
contractorcosts,includingcollectioneventset-upfees,environmentalservice
fees,insurancefees,andshippingcontainersandmaterials.
(3)Convenientcollectionlocation.Thestewardshiporganizationshall
developacollectionprogramthatallowsallmunicipalhouseholdhazardous
wastecollectionprogramstoopttobeapartofthecollectionplan,including
collectioneventsandfacilitiesofferedbysolidwasteplanningentities.The
planshallmakeeffortstositepointsofcollectionequitablyacrossallregions
oftheStatetoallowforconvenientandreasonableaccessofallVermontersto
collectionfacilitiesorcollectionevents.
(4)Publiceducationandoutreach.Thecollectionplanshallincludean
educationandoutreachprogramthatshallincludeawebsiteandmayinclude
mediaadvertising,retaildisplays,articlesandpublications,andotherpublic
educationalefforts.OutreachandeducationshallbesuitablefortheState’s
diverseethnicpopulations,throughtranslatedandculturallyappropriate
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outreachshouldincludecontenttoincreasemeaningfulparticipationby
environmentaljusticefocuspopulationsasrequiredby3V.S.A.chapter72.
Duringthefirstyearofprogramimplementationandtwoyearsafteradoption
ofthecollectionplan,eachstewardshiporganizationshallcarryoutasurvey
ofpublicawarenessregardingtherequirementsoftheprogramestablished
underthischapterthatcanidentifycommunitiesthathavedisparitiesin
awarenessandneedmoreoutreach.Eachstewardshiporganizationshall
sharetheresultsofthepublicawarenesssurveyswiththeSecretary.Ifmultiple
stewardshiporganizationsareimplementingplansapprovedbytheSecretary,
thestewardshiporganizationsshallcoordinateincarryingouttheireducation
andoutreachresponsibilitiesunderthissubdivisionandshallincludeintheir
annualreportstotheSecretaryasummaryoftheircoordinatededucationand
outreachefforts.Theeducationandoutreachprogramandwebsiteshallnotify
thepublicofthefollowing:
(A)thatthereisafreecollectionprogramforcoveredhousehold
hazardousproducts;
(B)thelocationandhoursofoperationofcollectionpointsandhow
acoveredentitycanaccessthiscollectionprogram;
(C)thespecialhandlingconsiderationsassociatedwithcovered
householdhazardousproducts;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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(D)sourcereductioninformationforconsumerstoreduceleftover
coveredhouseholdproducts.
(5)Compliancewithappropriateenvironmentalstandards.In
implementingacollectionplan,astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywith
allapplicablelawsrelatedtothecollection,transportation,anddisposalof
hazardouswaste.Astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywithanyspecial
handlingordisposalstandardsestablishedbytheSecretaryforcovered
householdhazardousproductsorforthecollectionplanofthemanufacturer.
(6)Methodofdisposition.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehow
coveredhouseholdhazardousproductswillbemanagedinthemost
environmentallyandeconomicallysoundmanner,includingfollowingthe
waste-managementhierarchy.Themanagementofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproductsunderthecollectionplanshallusemanagementactivities
inthefollowingpriorityorder:sourcereduction,reuse,recycling,energy
recovery,anddisposal.Collectedcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsshall
berecycledwhentechnicallyandeconomicallyfeasible.
(7)Performancegoals.Acollectionplanshallinclude:
(A)Aperformancegoalforcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts
determinedbythenumberoftotalparticipantsatcollectioneventsand
facilitieslistedinthecollectionplanduringaprogramyeardividedbythe
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households.Thecalculationmethodologyforthenumberofhouseholdsshall
beincludedintheplan.
(B)Ataminimum,thecollectionperformancegoalforthefirst
approvedplanshallbeanannualparticipationrateoffivepercentofthe
householdsforeverycollectionprogrambasedonthenumberofhouseholds
thecollectionprogramserves.Aftertheinitialapprovedprogramplan,the
stewardshiporganizationshallproposeperformancegoalsforsubsequent
programplans.TheSecretaryshallapprovetheperformancegoalsforthe
planatleasteveryfiveyears.Thestewardshiporganizationshallusethe
resultsofthemostrecentwastecompositionstudyrequiredunder6604ofthis
titleandotherrelevantfactorstoproposetheperformancegoalsofthe
collectionplan.Ifastewardshiporganizationdoesnotmeetitsperformance
goals,theSecretarymayrequirethestewardshiporganizationtorevisethe
collectionplantoprovideforoneormoreofthefollowing:additionalpublic
educationandoutreach,additionalcollectionevents,oradditionalhoursof
operationforcollectionsites.Astewardshiporganizationisnotauthorizedto
reduceorceasecollection,educationandoutreach,orotheractivities
implementedunderanapprovedplanonthebasisofachievementofprogram
performancegoals.
(8)(C)Collectionplanfunding.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehow
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planandcollectionactivitiesundertheplan,includingthecostsforeducation
andoutreach,collection,processing,andend-of-lifemanagementofthe
coveredhouseholdhazardousproductallmunicipalcollectionofferedtothe
publicinabaseprogramyear.Abaseprogramyearshallbebasedonthe
servicesprovidedincalendaryear2024andanyothercollectionfacilitiesor
eventsapprovedbytheSecretary.Collectioncostsincludefacilitycosts,
equipmentcosts,labor,supplies,maintenance,eventscosts,andevent
contractorcosts,includingcollectioneventset-upfees,environmentalservice
fees,insurancefees,andshippingcontainersandmaterials.Thecollection
planshallincludehowmunicipalitieswillbecompensatedforallcosts
attributedtocollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts.The
Secretaryshallresolvedisputesrelatingtocompensation.
(2)Subsequentplans.Aftertheexpirationoftheinitialplanapproved
bytheSecretary,thecollectionplanshallinclude,ataminimum,the
following:
(A)Listofparticipants.Alistofthemanufacturers,brands,and
productsparticipatinginthecollectionplanandamethodologyforadding
andremovingmanufacturersandnotifyingtheAgencyofnewparticipants.
(B)Freestatewidecollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardous
products.Thecollectionprogramshallprovideforfree,convenient,and
accessiblestatewideopportunitiesforthecollectionfromcoveredentitiesof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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coveredhouseholdhazardousproducts,includingorphancoveredproducts.A
stewardshiporganizationshallacceptallcoveredhouseholdhazardous
productscollectedfromacoveredentityandshallnotrefusethecollectionofa
coveredhouseholdhazardousproduct,includingorphancoveredhousehold
products,basedonthebrandormanufacturerofthecoveredhousehold
hazardousproductunlessspecificallyexemptfromthisrequirement.The
collectionprogramshallalsoprovideforthepaymentofcollection,
processing,andend-of-lifemanagementofthecoveredhouseholdhazardous
products.Collectioncostsincludefacilitycosts,equipmentcosts,labor,
supplies,maintenance,eventscosts,andeventcontractorcosts,including
collectioneventset-upfees,environmentalservicefees,insurancefees,and
shippingcontainersandmaterials.
(C)Convenientcollectionlocation.Thestewardshiporganization
shalldevelopacollectionprogramthatallowsallmunicipalhousehold
hazardouswastecollectionprogramstoopttobeapartofthecollectionplan,
includingcollectioneventsandfacilitiesofferedbysolidwasteplanning
entities.Theplanshallmakeeffortstositepointsofcollectionequitably
acrossallregionsoftheStatetoallowforconvenientandreasonableaccessof
allVermonterstocollectionfacilitiesorcollectionevents.
(D)Publiceducationandoutreach.Thecollectionplanshallinclude
aneducationandoutreachprogramthatshallincludeawebsiteandmay BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page59of77
includemediaadvertising,retaildisplays,articlesandpublications,andother
publiceducationalefforts.Outreachandeducationshallbesuitableforthe
State’sdiverseethnicpopulations,throughtranslatedandculturally
appropriatematerials,includingin-languageandtargetedoutreach.Public
educationandoutreachshouldincludecontenttoincreasemeaningful
participationbyenvironmentaljusticefocuspopulationsasrequiredby3
V.S.A.chapter72.Duringthesecondapprovedplan,eachstewardship
organizationshallcarryoutasurveyofpublicawarenessregardingthe
requirementsoftheprogramestablishedunderthischapterthatcanidentify
communitiesthathavedisparitiesinawarenessandneedmoreoutreach.Each
stewardshiporganizationshallsharetheresultsofthepublicawareness
surveyswiththeSecretary.Ifmultiplestewardshiporganizationsare
implementingplansapprovedbytheSecretary,thestewardshiporganizations
shallcoordinateincarryingouttheireducationandoutreachresponsibilities
underthissubdivision(D)andshallincludeintheirannualreportstothe
Secretaryasummaryoftheircoordinatededucationandoutreachefforts.The
educationandoutreachprogramandwebsiteshallnotifythepublicofthe
following:
(i)thatthereisafreecollectionprogramforcoveredhousehold
hazardousproducts; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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(ii)thelocationandhoursofoperationofcollectionpointsand
howacoveredentitycanaccessthiscollectionprogram;
(iii)thespecialhandlingconsiderationsassociatedwithcovered
householdhazardousproducts;and
(iv)sourcereductioninformationforconsumerstoreduceleftover
coveredhouseholdproducts.
(E)Compliancewithappropriateenvironmentalstandards.In
implementingacollectionplan,astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywith
allapplicablelawsrelatedtothecollection,transportation,anddisposalof
hazardouswaste.Astewardshiporganizationshallcomplywithanyspecial
handlingordisposalstandardsestablishedbytheSecretaryforcovered
householdhazardousproductsorforthecollectionplanofthemanufacturer.
(F)Methodofdisposition.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehow
coveredhouseholdhazardousproductswillbemanagedinthemost
environmentallyandeconomicallysoundmanner,includingfollowingthe
waste-managementhierarchy.Themanagementofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproductsunderthecollectionplanshallusemanagementactivities
inthefollowingpriorityorder:sourcereduction,reuse,recycling,energy
recovery,anddisposal.Collectedcoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsshall
berecycledwhentechnicallyandeconomicallyfeasible.
(G)Performancegoals.Acollectionplanshallinclude: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page61of77
(i)Aperformancegoalforcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts
determinedbythenumberoftotalparticipantsatcollectioneventsand
facilitieslistedinthecollectionplanduringaprogramyeardividedbythe
totalnumberofhouseholds.Thenumberofhouseholdsshallincludeseasonal
households.Thecalculationmethodologyforthenumberofhouseholdsshall
beincludedintheplan.
(ii)Ataminimum,thecollectionperformancegoalfortheinitial
planapprovedpursuanttosubdivision(1)ofthissubsection(b)shallbean
annualparticipationrateoffivepercentofthehouseholdsforeverycollection
programbasedonthenumberofhouseholdsthecollectionprogramserves.
Aftertheinitialapprovedprogramplan,thestewardshiporganizationshall
proposeperformancegoalsforsubsequentprogramplans.TheSecretaryshall
approvetheperformancegoalsfortheplanatleasteveryfiveyears.The
stewardshiporganizationshallusetheresultsofthemostrecentwaste
compositionstudyrequiredunder6604ofthistitleandotherrelevantfactors
toproposetheperformancegoalsofthecollectionplan.Ifastewardship
organizationdoesnotmeetitsperformancegoals,theSecretarymayrequire
thestewardshiporganizationtorevisethecollectionplantoprovideforoneor
moreofthefollowing:additionalpubliceducationandoutreach,additional
collectionevents,oradditionalhoursofoperationforcollectionsites.A
stewardshiporganizationisnotauthorizedtoreduceorceasecollection, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page62of77
educationandoutreach,orotheractivitiesimplementedunderanapproved
planonthebasisofachievementofprogramperformancegoals.
(H)Collectionplanfunding.Thecollectionplanshalldescribehowthe
stewardshiporganizationwillfundtheimplementationofthecollectionplan
andcollectionactivitiesundertheplan,includingthecostsforeducationand
outreach,collection,processing,andend-of-lifemanagementofthecovered
householdhazardousproduct.Collectioncostsincludefacilitycosts,
equipmentcosts,labor,supplies,maintenance,eventscosts,andevent
contractorcosts,includingcollectioneventset-upfees,environmentalservice
fees,insurancefees,andshippingcontainersandmaterials.Thecollection
planshallincludehowmunicipalitieswillbecompensatedforallcosts
attributedtocollectionofcoveredhouseholdhazardousproducts.The
Secretaryshallresolvedisputesrelatingtocompensation.
(c)Termofcollectionplan.AcollectionplanapprovedbytheSecretary
undersection7187ofthistitleshallhaveatermnottoexceedfiveyears,
providedthatthestewardshiporganizationremainsincompliancewiththe
requirementsofthischapterandthetermsoftheapprovedcollectionplan.
(d)Collectionplanimplementation.Stewardshiporganizationsshall
implementthecollectionplanonorbeforesixmonthsafterthedateofafinal
decisionbytheSecretaryontheadequacyofthecollectionplan.
Sec.6.10V.S.A.§ 7184isamendedtoread: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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§7184.STEWARDSHIPORGANIZATIONS
(a)Participationinastewardshiporganization.Amanufacturershallmeet
therequirementsofthischapterbyparticipatinginastewardshiporganization
thatundertakestheresponsibilitiesundersections7182,7183,and7185ofthis
title.
(b)Qualificationsforastewardshiporganization.Toqualifyasa
stewardshiporganizationunderthischapter,anorganizationshall:
(1)committoassumetheresponsibilities,obligations,andliabilitiesof
allmanufacturersparticipatinginthestewardshiporganization;
(2)notcreateunreasonablebarriersforparticipationinthestewardship
organization;and
(3)maintainapublicwebsitethatlistsallmanufacturersand
manufacturers’brandsandproductscoveredbythestewardshiporganization’s
approvedcollectionplan.
(c)Astewardshiporganizationisauthorizedtochargeitsmembers
reasonablefeesfortheorganization,administration,andimplementationof
theprogramsrequiredbythischapter.
Sec.7.10V.S.A.§ 7187isamendedtoread:
§7187.AGENCYRESPONSIBILITIES
(a)Reviewandapprovecollectionplans.TheSecretaryshallreviewand
approveordenycollectionplanssubmittedundersection7183ofthistitle BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page64of77
accordingtothepublicnoticeandcommentrequirementsofsection7714of
thistitle.
***
(g)Agencycollectionplan.Ifnostewardshiporganizationisformedonor
beforeJuly1,2025orthestewardshiporganizationfailstosubmitaplanor
submitsaplanthatdoesnotmeettherequirementsofthischapter,the
Secretaryshalladoptandadministeraplanthatmeetstherequirementsof
section7183ofthistitle.IftheSecretaryadministerstheplanadoptedunder
section7183,theSecretaryshallchargeeachmanufacturertheproratedcosts
ofplanadministration,theAgency’soversightcosts,andahazardouswaste
reductionassessmentof10percentoftheplan’stotalcosttobedepositedin
theSolidWasteManagementAssistanceAccountoftheWasteManagement
AssistanceFund,forthepurposeofprovidinggrantstomunicipalitiesand
smallbusinessestopreventpollutionandreducethegenerationofhazardous
wasteintheState.Whendeterminingamanufacturer’sassessmentunderthis
section,theAgencymayallocatecoststoamanufacturerofcoveredhousehold
hazardousproductsbasedonthesalesofcoveredhouseholdhazardous
productsnationallyproratedtothepopulationofVermont.
Sec.8.10V.S.A.§ 6621aisamendedtoread:
§6621a.LANDFILLDISPOSALREQUIREMENTS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page65of77
(a)Inaccordancewiththefollowingschedule,nopersonshallknowingly
disposeofthefollowingmaterialsinsolidwasteorinlandfills:
***
(12)CoveredhouseholdhazardousproductsafterJuly1,20252026.
***
Sec.9.SOLIDWASTEPLAN;FLEXIBILITY
(a)Notwithstandingthemunicipalhouseholdhazardouswaste(HHW)
collectionrequirementsundertheStateSolidWastePlanadoptedpursuantto
10V.S.A.§6604,theSecretaryofNaturalResourcesmaygrantavariance
fromtherequirementtoconductatleasttwohouseholdhazardouswaste
collectioneventsinthatmunicipality.Thevarianceshallallowamunicipality
tomeetitsobligations,asfollows:
(1)themunicipalityhaspartneredwithanothermunicipalitytoallowits
residentstheabilitytoaccessapermanentHHWfacilityinthesamemanner
asthemunicipalitythatoperatesthepermanentHHWfacility;
(2)themunicipalityhaspartneredwithanearbymunicipalitytooffer
collectioneventstomembersinbothmunicipalities;or
(3)themunicipalityhasdemonstratedthatithasmadereasonable
effortstoprovidealternatecollectionopportunitiesidentifiedunder
subdivisions(1)and(2)ofthissubsectionandwasunableandthatthecostof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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acollectioneventisunreasonable.InsuchcircumstancestheSecretaryof
NaturalResourcesmayreducetherequiredcollectioneventstooneperyear.
(b)ThissectionshallberepealedonJuly1,2027.
***HealthyHomesInitiative***
Sec.10.2024ActsandResolvesNo.78,Sec.B.1103isamendedtoread:
Sec.B.1103CLIMATEANDENVIRONMENT–FISCALYEAR2024
ONE-TIMEAPPROPRIATIONS
***
(j)(1)Infiscalyear2024,theamountof$6,100,000AmericanRescuePlan
Act(ARPA)–CoronavirusStateFiscalRecoveryFundsisappropriatedtothe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationfortheHealthyHomesInitiative.
Fundsshallbeusedtomakerepairsorimprovementstodrinkingwater,
wastewater,orstormwatersystemsforVermonterswhohavelowtomoderate
incomeorwholiveinmanufacturedhousingcommunities,orboth.
(2)AllinformationsubmittedtoorcompiledbytheDepartmentof
EnvironmentalConservationrelatedtotheissuanceofindividualfunding
awardsundertheHealthyHomesInitiativeshallbeconsideredconfidential
unlessthepersonprovidingtheinformationdesignatesthatitisnot
confidential.Thisshallincludeallpersonalinformationofapplicantsthat
requestorreceivefunding.Notwithstanding1V.S.A.§ 214,thissubdivision
shalltakeeffectonpassageandshallapplyretroactivelytoJuly1,2023. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page67of77
***
***FloodSafety***
Sec.11.2024ActandResolvesNo.121,Sec.3isamendedtoread:
Sec.3.DEPARTMENTOFENVIRONMENTALCONSERVATION;
RIVERCORRIDORBASEMAP;INFILLMAPPING;
EDUCATIONANDOUTREACH
(a)OnorbeforeJanuary1,20262027,theDepartmentofEnvironmental
Conservation,inconsultationwiththeAgencyofCommerceandCommunity
Developmentandtheregionalplanningcommissions,shallamendby
procedurethestatewideRiverCorridorBaseMaptoidentifyareassuitablefor
developmentthatarelocatedwithinexistingsettlementsandthatwillnotcause
orcontributetoincreasesinfluvialerosionhazards.
(b)BeginningonJanuary1,2025andendingonJanuary1,20272028,
theDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationshallconductaneducation
andoutreachprogramtoconsultwithandcollectinputfrommunicipalities,
environmentaljusticefocuspopulations,theEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisory
Council,businesses,propertyowners,farmers,andothermembersofthe
publicregardinghowStatepermittingofdevelopmentinmappedriver
corridorswillbeimplemented,includingpotentialrestrictionsontheuseof
landwithinmappedrivercorridors.TheDepartmentshalldevelop
educationalmaterialsforthepublicaspartofitschargeunderthissection. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page68of77
TheDepartmentshallcollectinputfromthepublicregardingthepermittingof
developmentinmappedrivercorridorsasproposedbythisact.Onorbefore
January15,20272028anduntilpermittingofdevelopmentinmappedriver
corridorsbeginsunder10V.S.A.§ 754,theDepartmentshallsubmittothe
SenateCommitteeonNaturalResourcesandEnergy,theHouseCommitteeon
EnvironmentandEnergy,andtheEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryCouncila
reportthatshallinclude:
(1)asummaryofthepublicinputitreceivedregardingStatepermitting
ofdevelopmentinmappedrivercorridorsduringthepubliceducationand
outreachrequiredunderthissection;
(2)recommendations,basedonthepublicinputcollected,forchanges
totherequirementsforStatepermittingofdevelopmentinmappedriver
corridors;
(3)ananalysisandsummaryofStatepermittingofdevelopmentin
mappedrivercorridorsonenvironmentaljusticepopulations;and
(4)asummaryoftheDepartment’sprogressinadoptingtherules
requiredunder10V.S.A.§754fortheregulationofdevelopmentinmapped
rivercorridors.
Sec.12.10V.S.A.§ 754isamendedtoread:
§754.MAPPEDRIVERCORRIDORRULES
(a)Rulemakingauthority. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page69of77
(1)OnorbeforeJuly1,2027July15,2028,theSecretaryshalladopt
rulespursuantto3V.S.A.chapter25thatestablishrequirementsforissuing
andenforcingpermitsfor:
(A)alldevelopmentwithinamappedrivercorridorintheState;and
(B)fordevelopmentexemptfrommunicipalregulationinflood
hazardareas.
(2)TheSecretaryshallnotadoptrulesunderthissubsectionthat
regulateagriculturalactivitieswithouttheconsentoftheSecretaryof
Agriculture,FoodandMarkets,providedthattheSecretaryofAgriculture,
FoodandMarketsshallnotwithholdconsentunderthissubdivisionwhenlack
ofsuchconsentwouldresultintheState’snoncompliancewiththeNational
FloodInsuranceProgram.
(3)TheSecretaryshallseektheguidanceoftheFederalEmergency
ManagementAgencyindevelopinganddraftingtherulesrequiredbythis
sectioninordertoensurethattherulesaresufficienttomeeteligibility
requirementsfortheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram.
***
(e)Permitrequirement.BeginningonJanuary1,2028July1,2029,a
personshallnotcommenceorconductdevelopmentexemptfrommunicipal
regulationinafloodhazardareaorcommenceorconductanydevelopmentin
amappedrivercorridorwithoutapermitissuedundertherulesrequired BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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undersubsection(a)ofthissectionbytheSecretaryorbyaStateagency
delegatedpermittingauthorityundersubsection(f)ofthissection.Whenan
applicationisfiledunderthissection,theSecretaryordelegatedStateagency
shallproceedinaccordancewithchapter170ofthistitle.
***
Sec.13.2024ActsandResolves121,Sec.10isamendedtoread:
Sec.10.STUDYCOMMITTEEONSTATEADMINISTRATIONOF
THENATIONALFLOODINSURANCEPROGRAM
***
(e)Report.OnorbeforeAugust15,20252026,theStudyCommitteeshall
submitawrittenreporttotheGeneralAssemblywithitsfindingsandany
recommendationsforlegislativeaction.Anyrecommendationforlegislative
actionshallbeasdraftlegislation.
***
Sec.14.2024ActsandResolves121,Sec.11(a)isamendedtoread:
(a)TheSecretaryofNaturalResourcesshallinitiaterulemaking,including
pre-rulemaking,fortherulesrequiredinSec.5ofthisact,10V.S.A.§ 754
(rivercorridordevelopment),notlaterthanJuly1,2025.Therulesshallbe
adoptedonorbeforeJuly1,20272028.
Sec.15.2024ActsandResolvesNo.121,Sec.29(b)isamendedtoread:
(b)AllothersectionsshalltakeeffectJuly1,2024,exceptthat: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page71of77
(1)Secs.6a,7,8,8a,and9(conformingamendmentstomunicipalriver
corridorplanning)shalltakeeffectonJanuary1,2028,exceptthatinSec.9,
24V.S.A.§ 4424(a)(2)(B)(i)(municipalcompliancewiththeStateFlood
HazardAreaStandards)shalltakeeffectonJanuary1,20262028;
***
***Wetlands***
Sec.16.10V.S.A.§ 918isamendedtoread:
§918.NETGAINOFWETLANDS;STATEGOAL;RULEMAKING
(a)OnorbeforeJuly1December1,2025,theSecretaryofNatural
ResourcesshallamendtheVermontWetlandsRulespursuantto3V.S.A.
chapter25toclarifythatthegoalofwetlandsregulationandmanagementin
theStateisthenetgainofwetlandstobeachievedthroughprotectionof
existingwetlandsandrestorationofwetlandsthatwerepreviouslyadversely
affected.Thisconditionshallnotapplytowetland,river,andfloodplain
restorationprojects,includingdamremovals.
***
(c)Ataminimum,theWetlandsRulesshallberevisedto:
(1)Requireanapplicantforawetlandpermitthatauthorizesadverse
impactstomorethan5,000squarefeetofwetlandstocompensateforthose
impactsthroughrestoration,enhancement,orcreationofwetlandresources. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
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(2)Incorporatethenetgainruleintorequirementsforpermitsissued
afterSeptember1December1,2025.
***
***Dams***
Sec.17.2024ActsandResolvesNo.121,Sec.22isamendedtoread:
Sec.22.STUDYCOMMITTEEONDAMEMERGENCYOPERATIONS
PLANNING
(a)Creation.ThereiscreatedtheStudyCommitteeonDamEmergency
OperationsPlanningtoreviewandrecommendhowtoimproveregional
emergencyactionplanningforhazardscausedbydamfailure,includinghow
toshiftresponsibilityforemergencyplanningfromindividualmunicipalitiesto
regionalauthorities,howtoimproveregionalimplementationofdam
emergencyresponseplans,andhowtofunddamemergencyactionplanningat
theregionallevel.
***
(e)Report.OnorbeforeDecember15,20242025,theStudyCommittee
shallsubmitawrittenreporttotheGeneralAssemblywithitsfindingsandany
recommendationsforlegislativeaction.Anyrecommendationforlegislative
actionshallbesubmittedasdraftlegislation.
(f)Meetings.
(1)TheSecretaryofNaturalResourcesordesigneeshallcallthefirst BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page73of77
meetingoftheStudyCommittee.
(2)TheCommitteeshallselectachairfromamongitsmembersatthe
firstmeeting.
(3)AmajorityofthemembershipoftheStudyCommitteeshall
constituteaquorum.
(4)TheStudyCommitteeshallceasetoexistonMarch1,20252026.
***
Sec.18.2024ActsandResolvesNo.121,Sec.24(f)isamendedtoread:
(f)OnorbeforeJanuary15September1,2025,theAgencyofNatural
Resourcesshallcompleteitsanalysisofthecapitalandongoingoperations
andmaintenancecostsoftheGreenRiverDam,asauthorizedin2022Acts
andResolvesNo.83,Sec.46,andshallsubmittheresultsoftheanalysistothe
HouseCommitteesonEnvironmentandEnergyandonAppropriationsandthe
SenateCommitteesonNaturalResourcesandEnergyandonAppropriations.
***ResilienceImplementationStrategy***
Sec.19.10V.S.A.§ 599aisamendedtoread:
§599a.REPORTS;RULEMAKING
(a)OnorbeforeJanuary15,2025,theAgency,inconsultationwiththe
StateTreasurer,shallsubmitareporttotheGeneralAssemblydetailingthe
feasibilityandprogressofcarryingouttherequirementsofthischapter, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page74of77
includinganyrecommendationsforimprovingtheadministrationofthe
Program.
(b)TheAgencyshalladoptrulesnecessarytoimplementtherequirements
ofthischapter,including:
(1)adoptingmethodologiesusingavailablescienceandpublicly
availabledatatoidentifyresponsiblepartiesanddeterminetheirapplicable
shareofcoveredgreenhousegasemissions;and
(2)requirementsforregisteringentitiesthatareresponsiblepartiesand
issuingnoticesofcostrecoverydemandsundertheProgram;and
(3)theResilienceImplementationStrategy,whichshallinclude:
(A)practicesutilizingnature-basedsolutionsintendedtostabilize
floodplains,riparianzones,lakeshoreland,wetlands,andsimilarlands;
(B)practicestoadaptinfrastructuretotheimpactsofclimate
change;
(C)practicesneededtobuildoutearlywarningmechanismsand
supportfast,effectiveresponsetoclimate-relatedthreats;
(D)practicesthatsupporteconomicandenvironmentalsustainability
inthefaceofchangingclimateconditions;and
(E)criteriaandproceduresforprioritizingclimatechange
adaptationprojectseligibletoreceivemoniesfromtheClimateSuperfundCost
RecoveryProgram. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page75of77
(c)OnorbeforeSeptember15,2025,theSecretaryshallsubmittothe
HouseCommitteeonEnvironmentandtheSenateCommitteeonNatural
ResourcesandEnergyareportsummarizingtheAgencyofNaturalResources’
adoptionoftheResilienceImplementationStrategy.TheStrategyshall
include:
(1)practicesutilizingnature-basedsolutionsintendedtostabilize
floodplains,riparianzones,lakeshoreland,wetlands,andsimilarlands;
(2)practicestoadaptinfrastructuretotheimpactsofclimatechange;
(3)practicesneededtobuildoutearlywarningmechanismsandsupport
fast,effectiveresponsetoclimate-relatedthreats;
(4)practicesthatsupporteconomicandenvironmentalsustainabilityin
thefaceofchangingclimateconditions;and
(5)criteriaandproceduresforprioritizingclimatechangeadaptation
projectseligibletoreceivemoniesfromtheClimateSuperfundCostRecovery
Program.
(c)(d)InadoptingtheStrategy,theAgencyshall:
(1)consultwiththeEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryCouncil;
(2)inconsultationwithotherStateagenciesanddepartments,including
theDepartmentofPublicSafety’sDivisionofVermontEmergency
Management,assesstheadaptationneedsandvulnerabilitiesofvariousareas BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page76of77
vitaltotheState’seconomy,normalfunctioning,andthehealthandwell-being
ofVermonters;
(3)identifymajorpotential,proposed,andongoingclimatechange
adaptationprojectsthroughouttheState;
(4)identifyopportunitiesforalignmentwithexistingfederal,State,and
localfundingstreams;
(5)consultwithstakeholders,includinglocalgovernments,businesses,
environmentaladvocates,relevantsubjectareaexperts,andrepresentativesof
environmentaljusticefocuspopulations;
(6)considercomponentsoftheVermontClimateActionPlanrequired
undersection592ofthistitlethatarerelatedtoadaptationorresilience,as
definedinsection590ofthistitle;and
(7)conductpublicengagementinareasandcommunitiesthathavethe
mostsignificantexposuretotheimpactsofclimatechange,including
disadvantaged,low-income,andruralcommunitiesandareas.
(d)(e)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtolimittheexisting
authorityofaStateagency,department,orentitytoregulategreenhousegas
emissionsorestablishstrategiesoradoptrulestomitigateclimateriskand
buildresiliencetoclimatechange.
Sec.20.2024ActsandResolvesNo.122,Sec.3(a)isamendedtoread: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE	H.319
2025	Page77of77
(a)OnorbeforeJuly1,2025,theAgencyofNaturalResourcespursuantto
3V.S.A.§ 837shallfilewiththeInteragencyCommitteeonAdministrative
RulestheproposedrulefortheadoptionoftheResilienceImplementation
Strategyrequiredpursuantto10V.S.A§ 599a(b)(3).OnorbeforeJanuary1,
2026,theAgencyofNaturalResourcesshalladoptthefinalruleestablishing
theResilienceImplementationStrategyrequiredpursuantto10V.S.A
§ 599a(b)(3).[Repealed.]
***EffectiveDate***
Sec.21.EFFECTIVEDATE
Thisactshalltakeeffectonpassage.