HB 422 Summary

• Requires permit applicants for new facilities, expansions, or permit renewals in overburdened communities to submit an environmental justice impact report assessing cumulative pollution impacts on residents at least 60 days before community hearings.

• Defines "overburdened communities" as census block groups where more than 75% of the state average experience poverty above 185% federal level, high minority/immigrant populations, or limited English proficiency.

• Establishes a 9-member Environmental Justice Board to review impact reports, conduct public hearings in affected communities, and make recommendations on permit approval or denial to the Department.

• Authorizes the Department Secretary to deny permits or impose conditions when a facility would cause adverse cumulative health impacts on overburdened communities; requires written justification if the Secretary overrules the Board's recommendation.

• Applies to 11 categories of industrial, commercial, and municipal facilities including manufacturers, waste treatment, energy generators, warehouses over 75,000 square feet, and similar large-scale operations within a half-mile radius of overburdened communities.