The bill, H.B. No. 4482, introduces a new section, 382.02165, to the Health and Safety Code, which establishes a framework for local air pollution control programs to be notified and provide input on corrective action plans following excessive emissions events. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) notify local air pollution control programs of any excessive emissions event occurring within their jurisdiction. Upon receiving a corrective action plan from a facility, the TCEQ must allow at least 30 days for local programs to comment on the plan before it can be approved. Additionally, the TCEQ may disapprove a plan before the comment period ends but cannot approve it until after the period has expired.

The bill also stipulates that comments from local air pollution control programs are exempt from public disclosure under the Government Code. It clarifies that the new provisions apply only to excessive emissions events occurring on or after the effective date of the Act, while events prior to that date will be governed by existing law. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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