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 when revising the state implementation plan.

The bill also 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 despite efforts to reduce local emissions, ozone levels remain problematic due to factors beyond state control, such as wildfires and emissions from neighboring states. The bill aims to align Arizona's air quality management with federal regulations while asserting the state's position regarding external emissions' influence on its air quality standards.

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