AR SB654

Creates a voluntary environmental stewardship program administered by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Director to recognize organizations with sustained compliance or performance exceeding environmental law requirements.

Eligible participants include any company, corporation, political subdivision, firm, enterprise, or institution that is either regulated or unregulated by the department, with multi-unit organizations able to designate single operating units as separate participants.

Program provides incentives including reduced inspection frequency, reduced reporting requirements, and advanced notification of inspections and enforcement rulings at the director's discretion.

Membership approval and tier level assignment based on organizations' commitment to sustained compliance, environmental management systems, pollution prevention, exceeding legal requirements, and annual environmental performance reporting.

Program membership is voluntary and not a license or permit; denial or approval of membership is not appealable and does not authorize violation of state or federal laws.