WI AB877

DNR prohibited from issuing air pollution, water pollution, hazardous waste, or solid waste permits for facilities in "vulnerable communities" unless applicants complete environmental impact reporting and public hearing requirements

"Vulnerable community" defined as census block groups where at least 50% of households are low-income (≤200% federal poverty level) AND at least 40% of residents are Black, African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Latino, or tribal members, OR at least 40% of households have limited English proficiency

Permit applicants must prepare environmental impact reports assessing cumulative impacts and public health effects, provide reports to DNR and local municipalities, and hold public hearings at least 30 days after report submission with 21-day advance newspaper notice

DNR must consider community support and hearing testimony in permit decisions and may deny permits if cumulative facility impacts combined with existing conditions pose "unreasonable risk" to community health and environment

DNR required to maintain and update list of vulnerable communities; permit decisions must be issued at least 60 days after public hearings; definitions and list requirements take effect 4 months after publication, with full act effective at 6 months