Bill > HB1230

This bill establishes the Air Quality Enforcement and Mitigation Fund to address environmental challenges in communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. The bill defines an "environmental protection community" as a geographic area facing significant environmental burdens, which will be identified using tools like the EPA's EJSCREEN. The fund will be divided into two main spending categories: 30% will support the Environmental Protection Agency's staffing and functions to benefit environmental protection communities, including activities like air pollution mitigation, increased air monitoring, improving regulatory compliance, and offering education and training programs. The remaining 70% will be allocated through a new Air Quality Community Impact Grant Program, which will provide grants to nonprofit organizations, local health departments, environmental departments, and school districts in communities that have experienced environmental violations. The Agency will establish rules for grant allocation in consultation with an Advisory Committee comprising public health experts, environmental justice representatives, and community residents. The bill also requires the Agency to develop a transparent process for identifying affected communities, engage with those communities, and publish an annual report detailing grant awards and their impacts. The fund is specifically protected from state budget maneuvers that might transfer its resources elsewhere, ensuring dedicated support for environmental protection efforts.