Waste trust funds re-authorized under House bill
Nearly $20 million in environmental fees would be rededicated for their original uses under legislation approved in the state House on Tuesday.
House Bill 276, sponsored by Rep. Chad Nimmer, R-Blackshear, would reauthorize the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund and the Solid Waste Trust Fund for five more years. Both were to sunset this year.
The funds are used to clean up polluted sites and pay for state environmental programs. The Hazardous Waste Trust Fund raises about $14 million per year, while the Solid Waste Trust Fund raises about $6 million, Nimmer said.
In years past, lawmakers have siphoned much of the money those funds raise to plug other holes in the state budget. HB 276, however, makes clear those fees are to be used for their intended purposes.
