DOVER, Del. — Delaware lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at increasing penalties for commercial polluters and boosting reinvestment in the communities most affected by environmental violations.
House Bill 210, known as the Pollution Accountability Act, was introduced Thursday by Rep. Larry Lambert, House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown and Sen. Nicole Poore. According to the bill’s sponsors, the legislation is a response to long-standing concerns from overburdened communities.
Officials say the bill would update the state’s fine structure for major polluters, increasing the maximum fine for chronic violations from $10,000 to $40,000 per day. Oil pollution and hazardous waste violations could also carry fines of up to $40,000 per day, up from the current limits of $10,000 and $25,000, respectively.
According to sponsors, HB 210 would also increase the portion of penalty funds directed to affected communities through the Community Environmental Project Fund. The share would rise from 25% to 40%, with priority given to projects located within a two-mile radius of the violation site.
The legislation has been assigned to the House Natural Resources Committee for further consideration.