Assembly Bill 877 aims to enhance environmental protections for vulnerable communities in Wisconsin by imposing stricter requirements on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) when issuing permits for facilities located in these areas. A "vulnerable community" is defined as a census block group where at least 50% of households are low-income, and either 40% of residents identify as members of specific racial or ethnic groups or have limited English proficiency. The bill mandates that permit applicants must prepare a comprehensive report assessing the environmental impact of their facility, make this report publicly available, and conduct a public hearing in the community before a permit can be issued.

The DNR is required to consider community feedback and any testimony from the public hearing when deciding on permit applications. Additionally, the department can deny permits if it determines that the cumulative impact of the proposed facility poses an unreasonable risk to the environment and public health in the vulnerable community. The bill also grants the DNR the authority to create rules necessary for its implementation, ensuring that the environmental and health concerns of these communities are prioritized in the permitting process.