DELAWARE — The Delaware Senate has passed two fee reform bills dealing with existing revenue structures and supporting the operations of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Transportation.
House Bill 175, sponsored by District 6 Representative Deb Heffernan (D) and District 17 Senator Trey Paradee (D), marks the first update to DNREC’s fee structure since 1991. The bill adjusts or introduces user-based fees across four DNREC divisions: Air Quality, Waste and Hazardous Substances, Water, and Watershed Stewardship. The measure is expected to raise $7.2 million in revenue annually—up from $1.9 million under current rates.
“It’s time for us to bring our DNREC user fees in alignment with the real costs associated with the services that are provided to our community,” said Sen. Paradee.
“HB 175 will give DNREC the tools and funding they need to protect our environment effectively… all while making sure that the entities who use DNREC’s services are the ones paying for those costs,” added Rep. Heffernan.
Notably, the fee increases do not apply to Delaware State Parks or wildlife-related activities like fishing and hunting.
House Bill 164, sponsored by District 27 Representative Eric Morrison (D) and District 13 Senator Marie Pinkney (D), focuses on money for the Transportation Trust Fund, a key part of Delaware’s transportation infrastructure. With fuel tax revenues declining due to increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and rising costs in construction and services, supporters of the bill say the update is overdue.
“Delaware is just one of a handful of states who have not implemented an electric vehicle registration fee,” said Sen. Pinkney. “This legislation will adjust for the growing adoption of EVs while maintaining a reliable stream of transportation revenues.”
According to bill sponsors, the legislation will generate an estimated $38.9 million in new revenue through adjustments such as:
Increased tolls on Route 1 at Biddles Plaza and Dover, I-95, and US 301 (ranging from $0.50 to $1.50).
Introduction of EV registration fees to offset lost gas tax revenues.
“We need to commit to working closely with DelDOT for regular reassessments,” said Rep. Morrison. “Everyone who uses our roads should contribute fairly to their upkeep.”
Both bills now head to Governor Matt Meyer’s (D) desk for final approval.