HB 6501 Summary

• Wastewater treatment plant operators for all classes (I-IV) must pass a standardized national examination prepared by the Association of Boards of Certification, eliminating separate state examinations and supplemental questions.

• Establishes a Nitrogen Credit Advisory Board consisting of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, Secretary of Office of Policy and Management, State Treasurer, and nine public members appointed by legislative leadership and the Governor to advise on nitrogen credit exchanges.

• Aquaculture structures (racks, cages, bags) that received federal Army Corps of Engineers permits and do not interfere with navigation are exempt from coastal area permitting requirements.

• Eliminates municipal noise control ordinance approval requirement by the commissioner; ordinances must only be at least as stringent as state or federal standards, with municipalities able to adopt stricter standards without approval.

• Reduces pesticide registration fees from $940 to $188 annually and establishes new general permit annual fees ($100-$200) for regulated activities; allows pesticides to be registered for one or five years with phased expiration schedule.