Notably, the bill introduces a significant procedural requirement pertaining to the permitting of new facilities or the expansion of existing ones situated within designated burdened communities. Before a permit can be granted, applicants are required to conduct detailed environmental impact assessments that evaluate potential cumulative impacts on the community's health and environmental conditions. This process aims to ensure that the voices and concerns of those living within these communities are prioritized in development decisions, potentially leading to healthier environments and improved public health outcomes.
Summary
SB1429 seeks to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by introducing new requirements concerning environmental permitting in the context of burdened communities. The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Quality to develop and maintain a list of 'burdened communities', defined as census tracts with median household incomes in the bottom thirty-three percent of the state. This list must be updated periodically, ensuring that the designation of these communities reflects current socioeconomic conditions.
Contention
A critical point of contention lies in the additional regulatory burden imposed by this bill, which some stakeholders may perceive as potentially hindering economic growth and development. Proponents of the bill argue that the long-term benefits of public health and environmental protection outweigh these concerns. However, opponents might express fears that the stricter permitting processes could deter investment and infrastructure development in already struggling areas, thereby altering the economic landscape in ways that could be detrimental or beneficial depending on community perspectives.
California Environmental Quality Act: State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection: vegetation treatment program: final program environmental impact report.
Provides tax credit under corporation business tax and gross income tax for certain costs incurred in purchase and installation of certain environmentally responsible business equipment.