NC H77

Authorizes denial of environmental permits for mining, solid waste facilities, hazardous waste facilities, coastal developments, water quality, and air quality if the cumulative impact would disproportionately harm low-income or minority communities protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Requires state agency environmental reports on projects involving significant public expenditure or land use to include analysis of cumulative impacts on low-income and minority communities

Mandates enhanced public participation for permit applications in "overburdened communities," including at least one public hearing with 60 days advance notice and written response to community input

Defines "overburdened community" as a census block where at least 30% of households are low-income (≤80% area median income or ≤200% federal poverty level) or a community of color with higher-than-state-average minority or linguistically isolated populations

Most provisions take effect July 1, 2025 and apply to permit applications pending on or after that date