environment; citizen suits

SB 1405 allows Arizona citizens to file lawsuits to enforce environmental laws when their interests are harmed by violations. It requires plaintiffs to provide 120 days' notice to both the environmental director and the alleged violator before suing, and bars lawsuits if the state is already investigating or prosecuting. The bill also lets citizens intervene in state enforcement actions and permits courts to award attorney fees to prevailing parties and collect civil penalties. These penalties must be deposited into Arizona's Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund. The law aligns with federal environmental citizen suit provisions (33 U.S.C. § 1365).