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CS/HB 1051 — Environmental Compliance Costs

by Tourism, Infrastructure, and Energy Subcommittee; and Rep. Fernandez-Barquin and others (CS/SB 964 by Regulated Industries Committee; and Senators Diaz and Taddeo)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Environment and Natural Resources Committee (EN)

The bill revises the definition of “environmental compliance costs” in the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act to include costs or expenses incurred by an electric utility after July 1, 2021, for the construction and operation of a wastewater reuse system. This revision will allow utilities to petition the Florida Public Service Commission for recovery of such costs through a charge separate from the utility’s base rates.

In order to recover costs, operation of the wastewater reuse system must serve to further compliance with environmental laws or regulations that apply to the electric utility. The system must fully or partially satisfy a local government’s statutory reclaimed water reuse requirements, including those for ocean outfalls.

The bill requires at least 50 percent of reclaimed water produced to be used in conjunction with the water requirements of facilities owned by the electric utility. This is required in order to offset all or part of the electric utility’s water use, as authorized by permit.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.

Vote: Senate 40-0; House 118-0