MS SB2986

Authorizes the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality to establish and collect fees sufficient to cover all reasonable direct and indirect costs of permitting programs and activities, with fees reviewed and revised at least annually.

Creates the "Department of Environmental Quality Program Fund" as a special trust fund in the State Treasury to receive all collected fees, grants, donations, and other public or private sources for supporting the commission and department operations.

Requires the commission to file annual reports by July 31 with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House detailing fee types, amounts collected, and the ratio of general fund appropriations to environmental fees.

Grants the commission authority to collect unpaid fees through administrative or legal action, impose late fees, issue cease and desist orders for permits with unpaid fees after 90 days, and revoke permits for non-payment of fees.

Amends existing code sections governing water use permits, well drilling licenses, surface mining permits, and hazardous waste management fees to allow commission fee-setting authority and direct fee deposits to the Department of Environmental Quality Program Fund.