HB29 Summary

• Alabama Department of Environmental Management must assess health risks from toxic releases in each county by June 30, 2012, and designate counties as "environmental high impact areas" if risk levels exceed a substantial threshold, with reassessment every two years thereafter.

• State Health Officer must issue public reports by December 31, 2012 documenting disease incidences (cancer, birth defects, infant mortality, respiratory diseases) by county and assess health risks posed by toxic chemical releases.

• New facilities handling toxic pollutants are prohibited within 10 miles of existing facilities unless local government waives the prohibition based on pressing environmental needs or community-offered incentives; counties designated as high impact areas face a moratorium on new toxic facilities unless exceptions apply.

• Department must establish community programs including independent facility monitoring, environmental resource centers with expert staff, grants for environmental cleanup and health testing, and community impact study grants funded by user fees on toxic pollutant facility operators.

• New or expanded toxic chemical facilities require independent community impact statements assessing health and economic effects; department may deny permits to applicants with unabated violations or "bad actor" status from repeat violations.