The proposed bill would 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 the air quality departments of Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. The Committee is mandated to meet quarterly to review air quality permits, ensure consistency across jurisdictions, and share best practices. Additionally, the bill requires the Committee to submit an annual report detailing its activities and recommendations starting December 31, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and each county that issues air quality permits must review existing permits. By July 1, 2026, they are required to adopt equivalent general air quality permits for certain source categories and develop guidance for plantwide applicability limits and general air quality permits. The bill also includes provisions for the Committee to report on the progress of these initiatives and is set to repeal certain requirements after December 31, 2027.

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