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A 880

Prohibits publicly owned treatment works from accepting wastewater associated with the exploration, delineation, development, or production of natural gas

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dana Levenberg and 2 co-sponsors

Prohibits POTWs from accepting wastewater linked to natural gas exploration/production, shielding municipal treatment plants from fracking waste.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · A 880

Summary of Bill A 880 (2025)

Title and Purpose

  • Bill Number: A 880
  • Title: Prohibits publicly owned treatment works from accepting wastewater associated with the exploration, delineation, development, or production of natural gas
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Environmental Conservation

The bill seeks to restrict the disposal of wastewater linked to natural gas activities by prohibiting publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) from accepting such wastewater for treatment.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition: POTWs would be barred from accepting wastewater that is associated with the exploration, delineation, development, or production of natural gas.
  • Enforcement/Compliance: Specific enforcement mechanisms, penalties, exemptions, or definitions are not provided in the available summary.
  • Effective Date: No explicit effective date is provided in the available information.

Affected Parties and Systems

  • Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs): Local or municipal wastewater treatment facilities would be required to refuse wastewater tied to natural gas activities.
  • Natural Gas Industry: Operators involved in exploration, delineation, development, or production could be affected if they would otherwise route such wastewater to POTWs.
  • Municipalities and Environmental Agencies: State and local entities overseeing POTWs would play a role in implementation and enforcement.

Procedural and Timeline Context

  • Current Status: Referred to the Environmental Conservation committee.
  • Legislative Actions Noted: The bill was listed on 2025-01-08 as referred to Environmental Conservation (appears twice in the actions provided).
  • Related/Companion Measures:
    • Companion bill: S 2415 (listed twice)
    • Related or prior-session Assembly bills: A 750, A 7270, A 8463, A 10210, A 4217, A 889, A 1404, A 486
    • Related to prior-session measures indicates ongoing interest and potential alignment with other environmental/energy policy proposals.

Related Legislation and Context

  • The presence of companion bills (notably S 2415) suggests parallel consideration in the Senate and ongoing policy discussion across sessions.
  • The array of related Assembly bill numbers may reflect broader environmental conservation or wastewater-management themes considered in prior sessions.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Environmental Protection: By restricting disposal of fracking-related wastewater to POTWs, the bill aims to reduce potential contamination risks to municipal wastewater systems.
  • Waste Management Shifts: Industries producing natural gas might need alternative disposal or treatment arrangements, which could involve costs or logistical changes.
  • Municipal Impact: POTWs would need clear guidance and compliance measures to implement the prohibition.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor the Environmental Conservation committee for hearings, amendments, and eventual floor action.
  • Track the companion Senate bill S 2415 for alignment or divergence.
  • Review any fiscal impact statements, definitions, exemptions, or implementing regulations that accompany the bill as it moves through the legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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