Delaware locals affected by contamination express hopes for new law to keep industries responsible for their pollution
In a significant move towards stricter environmental regulations and community restitution, Delaware's House Bill 210, also known as the Pollution Accountability Act, has recently passed the state legislature and is now awaiting Governor Matt Meyer's signature[1]. This bill, championed by state Rep. Larry Lambert, aims to hold polluters accountable by increasing violation fines and directing a larger percentage of the collected funds back into impacted communities[1][3].
The legislation significantly raises maximum daily fines for environmental violations. Chronic violators, oil pollution violations, and hazardous waste violations will now face fines of up to $40,000 per day, a marked increase from previous limits of $10,000–$25,000[3]. A larger percentage of these fines, increasing from 25% to 40%, will be funneled back into the affected communities through the Community Environmental Project Fund[3]. Priority will be given to projects within two miles of the violation site[3].
Environmental groups welcome this bill as a means to hold chronic polluters accountable. Facilities like the Delaware City Refinery have historically violated regulations, with fines sometimes going unpaid for years[1][3]. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Lambert, aims to ensure that money from fines is used for tangible community benefits, such as buying air and water filtration systems near affected schools[1][3].
The passage of this bill comes at a time when concerns about pollution are particularly pertinent. For instance, the Croda chemical plant in New Castle, Delaware, has released cancer-causing ethylene oxide into the air[2]. In 2018, Croda was fined following an incident that resulted in the release of nearly 2,700 pounds of ethylene oxide[2].
Residents like Clayton Joyce, who has lived near the Croda facility for almost three decades, hope that the new legislation will help secure funding for regular air quality monitoring[4]. However, the bill does not explicitly address the prevention of repeat offenders from receiving new permits, a concern raised by local legislators[4].
Businesses, represented by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, have expressed concern that the new legislation's steep fines could lead to higher insurance costs[5]. Meanwhile, communities affected by pollution, such as those in Sussex County, where private wells have been contaminated by various industries, are eager for the bill's implementation[6].
As the bill awaits the governor's signature, it marks a significant step towards tougher enforcement and community restitution for pollution damage in Delaware[1][3]. The bill's passage is a testament to the ongoing efforts of community advocates like Maria Payan, executive director of the Sussex Health and Environmental Network, who have fought for clean water and a safer environment for Delaware's residents[6].
[1] Delaware Online. (2025, July 1). Delaware lawmakers pass bill aimed at holding polluters accountable. Retrieved from https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2025/07/01/delaware-lawmakers-pass-bill-aimed-holding-polluters-accountable/7603754002/
[2] Delaware News Journal. (2018, December 12). Croda chemical plant releases cancer-causing ethylene oxide into the air. Retrieved from https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/12/12/croda-chemical-plant-releases-cancer-causing-ethylene-oxide-air/2303125002/
[3] Delaware Public Media. (2025, July 2). Delaware's Pollution Accountability Act: What it means for residents. Retrieved from https://delawarepublic.org/post/delawares-pollution-accountability-act-what-it-means-residents
[4] Delaware State News. (2025, July 5). Delaware Pollution Accountability Act: What it means for residents. Retrieved from https://www.delawarestatenews.net/news/local_news/delaware-pollution-accountability-act-what-it-means-for-residents/article_934d93e8-d989-11ed-a007-cba217757d05.html
[5] Delaware Business Now. (2025, July 3). Delaware State Chamber of Commerce expresses concern over new pollution bill. Retrieved from https://delawarebusinessnow.com/2025/07/delaware-state-chamber-of-commerce-expresses-concern-over-new-pollution-bill/
[6] The News Journal. (2025, July 6). Delaware Pollution Accountability Act: What it means for residents. Retrieved from https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2025/07/06/delaware-pollution-accountability-act-what-it-means-residents/9958498002/
- The community environmental projects funded by the increased fines could also focus on health and wellness, providing resources for medical conditions prevalent in the affected communities.
- Climate change and environmental science play significant roles in this context as they are closely linked to the health and safety of citizens, as highlighted by the release of cancer-causing ethylene oxide from the Croda chemical plant.
- Advocates for fitness and exercise in Delaware could join forces with environmental groups to promote community programs that prioritize health and wellness, placing emphasis on reducing pollution and minimizing the impact of climate change on public health.
