IL SB3772

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Illinois EPA must evaluate air pollution control construction permit applications to determine if proposed sources fall within designated "areas of environmental justice concern" based on environmental risk scores calculated using 13 environmental indicators and 6 socioeconomic indicators.

Areas of environmental justice concern include census block groups scoring in the top 25% of environmental risk statewide, plus all areas within one mile of those block groups.

The EPA may require permit enhancements including improved air monitoring systems, fugitive dust plans, odor control plans, increased emissions testing, and pollution prevention measures for facilities in affected areas.

The Agency may deny permits if applicants or their board members have histories of repeated environmental violations, convictions for submitting false environmental information, or demonstrated gross carelessness in operating pollution sources.

Establishes an Office of Environmental Justice within the Illinois EPA, headed by an Environmental Justice Officer appointed by the Agency Director, to coordinate integration of environmental justice into agency programs.