AZ SB1795

Director of Department of Environmental Quality must adopt a list of burdened communities (defined as census tracts in bottom 33% by median household income) within 120 days of the effective date, with periodic updates as new census data becomes available.

Permit applicants for new facilities or expansions in burdened communities must prepare an environmental impact report assessing cumulative impacts and public health effects, transmit it 30 days before a public hearing, and conduct a public hearing with notice in at least two local newspapers 21 days in advance.

Department cannot issue a permit decision until at least 60 days after the public hearing and may deny permits if approval would constitute an unreasonable risk to community health or environment when combined with existing cumulative impacts.

Department must assess and consider community support or opposition when evaluating permit applications, including testimony from public hearings, letters, and any municipal ordinances or resolutions.

Regulations apply to specific facility types including electric generating facilities over 10 megawatts, resource recovery facilities, sewage treatment plants over 50 million gallons per day, landfills, and solid waste facilities exceeding 25 tons monthly volume.