environmental permitting; requirements; burdened communities

HB 2367 requires Arizona to identify "burdened communities" (census tracts in the bottom 33% for median household income) and mandates that new or expanded facilities in these areas must complete a community-focused review process before permits are approved. Applicants must prepare an environmental impact report (including public health effects and cumulative pollution risks), hold a public hearing with community input, and submit materials 30 days in advance. The environmental agency must wait 60 days after the hearing to decide on permits and may deny applications if the project creates an unreasonable health or environmental risk when combined with existing pollution. The agency must also consider community support or opposition, as demonstrated through the hearing and local government input, in its final decision.