SEC. 17-17-217. Environmental Protection Trust Fund.

(1) There is * * * created in the State Treasury a fund * * * designated as the Environmental Protection Trust Fund, to be administered by the executive director of the department * * *.

(2) The Commission on Environmental Quality shall promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of the fund and for a system of priorities for any related projects or programs eligible for funding from the fund.

(3) (a) The commission may utilize any funds in the Environmental Protection Fund for the following purposes:

(i) Not more than seventy-five percent (75%) shall be utilized for defraying the costs of the Department of Environmental Quality for administering the nonhazardous waste program, including the development of the state nonhazardous solid waste management plan as authorized by law;

(ii) Not more than twenty-five percent (25%) shall be utilized for making grants to regional solid waste management authorities, counties and municipalities for implementation of household hazardous waste collection programs, in accordance with Sections 17-17-439 through 17-17-445. The grants shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of eligible project costs as established by the commission.

(b) If the commission transfers monies to the Environmental Protection Trust Fund from any other source of funding administered by the commission, the percentage specified in this subsection shall not apply.

(4) Expenditures may be made from the fund upon requisition by the executive director of the department.

(5) The fund shall be treated as a special trust fund. Interest earned on the principal in the fund shall be credited by the department to the fund.

(6) The fund may receive monies from any available public or private source, including, but not limited to, collection of fees, interest, grants, taxes, public and private donations, petroleum violation escrow funds or refunds, and appropriated funds.

SOURCES: Laws, 1991, ch. 494, Sec. 10; 1992, ch. 583 Sec. 3, eff from and after passage (approved May 15, 1992). Amended by Laws 2000, Ch. 395, Sec. 2, SB3022, eff. July 1, 2000.

PREVIOUS VERSIONS: Pre-2000