HB 171 Summary

• Extends Delaware's Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program fee collection authority from calendar years 2024-2026, replacing the previous 2021-2023 authorization that expires December 31, 2023.

• Establishes three-part annual fee structure for regulated air emission sources: base fees ($5,700-$277,020 depending on staff hours), user fees ($3,950-$350,000 based on emissions), and program fees ($500-$6,250 based on combined base and user fees).

• Authorizes annual fee increases up to the Federal Consumer Price Index, subject to review and approval by the Title V Operating Permit Program Advisory Committee.

• Requires the Department to track actual hours spent on each source's permitting and compliance activities and provide annual reports to the Advisory Committee by May 1 of each year detailing program costs, fees collected, staffing levels, and accomplishments.

• Authorizes the Department to revoke Title V or synthetic minor permits for nonpayment of annual fees after 60 days written notice and 3 months past the due date, with delinquent accounts subject to 2% compounding monthly interest.