summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
03/27/2026
03/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Makes findings about the imposition of disproportionate and adverse effects on communities in areas of environmental justice concern. Defines terms. Applies to the following permits for which an owner or operator applies on or after January 1, 2026: (1) a construction permit for a new source that is to be located in an area of environmental justice concern and that is required to obtain from the Agency a CAAPP permit or a Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit; (2) a construction permit for any existing source that is located in an area of environmental justice concern, that possesses a CAAPP permit or a Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit issued by the Agency, and that seeks an increase in annual permitted emissions; or (3) a construction permit for any existing source that is located in an area of environmental justice concern, that seeks an increase in annual permitted emissions, and that will for the first time require a new CAAPP permit or a Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit issued by the Agency. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate the application for affects on environmental justice and may suggest additional testing or changes in the application. Requires that the Agency to conduct an evaluation of the prospective owner's or operator's prior experience in owning and operating sources of air pollution before it may issue a construction permit. Makes other changes. Creates the Office of Environmental Justice within the Environmental Protection Agency. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act to address environmental justice concerns by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct more thorough reviews of air pollution control construction permit applications, particularly for new or expanding facilities located in "areas of environmental justice concern" (areas experiencing disproportionate environmental harms due to a combination of environmental and socioeconomic factors). Starting January 1, 2026, for permits involving new sources or increased emissions in these areas, the EPA must evaluate potential impacts, suggest additional testing or emission reductions, and consider the applicant's prior experience operating pollution sources, potentially denying permits to those with a history of violations or incompetence. The bill also establishes an Office of Environmental Justice within the EPA to integrate environmental justice into agency programs, improve public outreach, and oversee language access policies.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (7)
Robyn Gabel (D)*,
Diane Blair-Sherlock (D),
Mary Beth Canty (D),
Kelly Cassidy (D),
Laura Faver Dias (D),
Lilian Jiménez (D),
Michelle Mussman (D),
Last Action
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Mary Beth Canty (on 05/21/2026)
Bill Topics
Environment
- ‐ Air Pollution, Global Warming, and Noise Pollution
- ‐ Environmental Compliance and Enforcement
- ‐ 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?DocNum=5374&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 | 02/06/2026 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?LegDocId=208508&DocName=10400HB5374&DocNum=5374&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=167162&GAID=18&SessionID=114&SpecSess=&Session= | 02/10/2026 |
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