NC S597

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to deny permits for mining, solid waste facilities, hazardous waste facilities, coastal developments, water quality discharges, and Title V air permits if cumulative impacts would disproportionately harm low-income or minority communities protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Mandates that state agency environmental reports include analysis of cumulative impacts on low-income and minority communities for projects involving significant public expenditures or land use

Establishes enhanced public participation requirements for permits in "overburdened communities," including mandatory public hearings with 60 days' advance notice and written responses to community input

Defines overburdened communities as census blocks where at least 30% of households are low-income (≤80% area median income or ≤200% federal poverty level) or areas qualifying as communities of color

Most provisions become effective July 1, 2025, and apply to permit applications pending on that date