SB 831 Summary

• Creates an Air Pollution Control Commission within the Department of Environmental Quality, consisting of the department director and 11 gubernatorially-appointed members representing commerce, local government, health professionals, environmental organizations, and the general public.

• Grants the commission supervisory authority over permit issuance, rule promulgation, and policy development, requiring department approval before exercising these powers.

• Authorizes the commission to receive air pollution complaints and require the department to take investigatory or enforcement action, or request the attorney general to commence legal action.

• Maintains the existing air quality fee system for fee-subject facilities until October 1, 2019, with tiered fees based on facility category and emissions levels.

• Requires annual reporting to the governor and legislature on air quality program activities, including permit processing statistics, enforcement actions, inspections, complaints, and fund revenue sources.