The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to air quality in Arizona by allowing the Attorney General (AG) to file lawsuits against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if the EPA fails to approve a demonstration that shows any area of Arizona could meet national air quality standards but for emissions from outside the U.S. Additionally, the bill would require the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to consider the best interests of taxpayers and various causal factors affecting air quality, including emissions from other domestic states and the effects of solar radiation, while explicitly prohibiting the consideration of emissions from outside U.S. borders.

Furthermore, the bill includes a statement of legislative findings that highlights the significant impact of external emissions on Arizona's air quality, particularly in the Maricopa nonattainment area. It emphasizes that over 80% of the pollution in this area originates from outside the U.S. and asserts that Arizona would meet the 2015 national air quality standards for ozone if not for these external emissions. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to existing statutes, ensuring that the state can effectively address air quality issues while navigating federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-404, 49-407.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 49-404, 49-407.01