AR SB644

Creates a waiver mechanism allowing the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to bypass legislative review procedures for state emission plans if federal EPA guidelines do not require shifting fuel types, closing fossil fuel plants, or imposing statewide greenhouse gas goals.

An affirmative majority vote from the Legislative Council is required to grant a waiver, and if approved, all requirements under Arkansas Code §§ 8-3-203 and 8-3-205 through 8-3-207 are waived.

Modifies the process for state plan submission by requiring the department to transmit plans to Legislative Council cochairs before transmitting to EPA, rather than within 15 days after adoption.

Amends the "rate and reliability safety valve" provision to require a feasibility study if a state plan would significantly increase electric or natural gas bills, rather than automatically reopening the proceeding.

Waiver requests must include explanation of how final EPA emission guidelines under Clean Air Act § 111(d) do not require the factors listed, and waivers can only be sought after EPA promulgates final emission guidelines.