MS SB2655

Establishes environmental justice requirements for facilities proposed in low-income communities with 30% or more of population below 200% of federal poverty level.

Requires applicants seeking permits for major facilities (power plants, incinerators, landfills, recycling centers, sewage treatment plants, air pollution sources) to submit and obtain approval of a meaningful public participation plan before filing permit applications.

Mandates applicants hold informal public meetings convenient to affected communities with notice published 10-30 days prior in newspapers and online, with signage in English and languages spoken by 20% or more of residents within a half-mile radius.

Prohibits Department of Environmental Quality from acting on permits for at least 60 days after the informal public meeting and authorizes municipalities to negotiate community environmental benefit agreements covering environmental improvements, education, pollution reduction, and other community benefits.

Restricts placement of asbestos-containing soil near residential property or above four feet in height without approval of a two-thirds majority of the municipality's legislative body, effective July 1, 2019.