summary
Introduced
01/23/2025
01/23/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to annually review and update the underlying data for, and use of, indicators used to determine whether a community is designated as an environmental justice community and to establish a process by which communities not designated as environmental justice communities may petition for such a designation. Provides that an applicant for a permit for the construction of a new source that will become a major source subject to the Clean Air Act Permit Program to be located in an environmental justice community or a new source that has or will require a federally enforceable State operating permit and that will be located in an environmental justice community must conduct a public meeting prior to submission of the permit application and must submit with the permit application an environmental justice assessment identifying the potential environmental and health impacts to the area associated with the proposed project. Provides requirements for the environmental justice assessment. Contains provisions regarding public participation requirements for permitting transactions in an environmental justice community. Provides that, if the Agency grants a permit to construct, modify, or operate a facility that emits air pollutants and is classified as a minor source, a third party may petition the Pollution Control Board for a hearing to contest the issuance of the permit. Contains provisions regarding environmental justice grievances. Defines terms. Contains other provisions.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act to introduce comprehensive environmental justice provisions that aim to protect communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. The bill defines key terms like "environmental justice community," "cumulative impact," and "disproportionate harm," and establishes new requirements for permit applications in these communities. Specifically, for facilities located in environmental justice communities, applicants must now conduct a public meeting, provide detailed public notices, and submit an environmental justice assessment that includes air dispersion modeling and an environmental impact review. The assessment must be completed by an independent third party and evaluate potential health and environmental impacts. If the assessment shows potential harm, the Agency can impose permit conditions or deny the permit altogether. The bill also creates a new environmental justice grievance process, allowing individuals to file complaints alleging discrimination in environmental decision-making. Additionally, the bill gives the Agency more discretion in reviewing permit applications, including the ability to evaluate an applicant's prior environmental compliance history and potentially deny permits to those with a history of violations or gross incompetence. The goal is to provide more transparency, public participation, and protection for communities that have historically been most vulnerable to environmental risks.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Energy & Environment Committee Hearing (10:00:00 3/21/2025 Room 114) (on 03/21/2025)
Bill Topics
Civil Rights, Minority Issues, and Civil Liberties
- ‐ Ethnic Minority and Racial Group Discrimination
Environment
- ‐ Air Pollution, Global Warming, and Noise Pollution
- ‐ General Environment
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1608&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 | 01/23/2025 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB1608.htm | 01/23/2025 |
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