This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding air quality. It introduces new provisions that require the Director to consider the best interests of taxpayers and all causal factors affecting air quality, including transportation emissions from outside the state and the effects of solar radiation. Additionally, it modifies existing language to clarify that the state implementation plan and its revisions must ensure equivalent or greater emission reductions for nonattainment or maintenance areas, while also mandating that the Director evaluate and adopt revisions in line with federal regulations.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the Attorney General to file lawsuits against individuals outside of Arizona whose emissions negatively impact the state's air quality. It allows courts to award reasonable attorney fees and litigation expenses to the prevailing party and holds out-of-state individuals liable for damages proportional to the harm caused. The potential damages include costs related to regulatory compliance and the development of air quality plans that would not be necessary but for emissions originating outside the state. The bill also clarifies that it does not limit the Attorney General's ability to seek damages from in-state violators or other individuals from pursuing claims against out-of-state parties.

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