Energy

Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to administer and enforce requirements of the Act. Establishes the Battery Producer Responsibility Fund. Imposes civil penalties for violations of the Act.

] Exempts sales to purchasers with facilities totaling more than one million square feet from a prohibition on sales of certain fluorescent lamps until January 1, 2030. Exempts residential care facilities and long term care facilities from the requirement to submit for review plans to replace light fixtures designed to use prohibited fluorescent lamps. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Requires a solar energy contractor or person that installs a solar energy system to have a license appropriate for the scope of work the solar energy contractor or person will perform. Specifies disclosures required in purchase agreements, lease agreements and power purchase agreements related to solar energy systems. Specifies elements and provisions that an installation contract for a solar energy system must have. Prohibits deceptive statements concerning the provisions of an installation contract. Punishes a violation or a failure to comply with the provisions of the Act as an unlawful practice under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Exempts an energy facility from needing a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council if the energy facility produces power from a renewable energy source, qualifies for certain federal renewable energy tax credits and is placed in service on or before December 31, 2030, or a date allowed by exception and a local land use application for the facility is submitted [ construction begins ] on or before December 31, 2028. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.