This bill proposes to amend current statutes by establishing the Air Quality Permitting Coordination Committee, which will consist of directors or their designees from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and relevant county air quality departments. The Committee is tasked with quarterly meetings to review air quality permits, ensure consistency across jurisdictions, and share best practices. Additionally, the bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, the Department of Environmental Quality and each county must review air quality permits, and by July 1, 2026, they must adopt equivalent general air quality permits for certain source categories if specific conditions are met.

Furthermore, the bill introduces requirements for the development and publication of guidance on plantwide applicability limits and general air quality permits, ensuring consistency and clarity in the permitting process. It also stipulates that the Committee must report its findings and recommendations annually, with a provision for the repeal of these requirements after December 31, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance coordination and standardization in air quality permitting across Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-429
Senate Engrossed Version: 49-414