Environment

vetoed · Arizona · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 2013: exceptional events; air quality; wildfires

HB 2013 amends Arizona's air quality statute to clarify how the state handles "exceptional events" like wildfires. It requires the state air quality agency to develop policy statements for such events, considering Arizona's unique conditions, and mandates submitting wildfire-related demonstrations to the U.S. EPA if federally managed wildfires affect the state. The bill also adds a requirement for the agency to issue daily PM-10 dust forecasts for nonattainment areas, identifying risk levels based on weather, pollution data, and historical patterns. These changes directly affect the state air quality agency's procedures for managing air pollution during extreme events.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates daily PM-10 forecasts for pollution monitoring during wildfires, strengthening air quality management during exceptional events per Arizona's unique conditions.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Arizona · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 2641: PFAS; firefighting foam; prohibition

HB 2641 prohibits local governments, fire departments, and state agencies from using class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals during training or testing, effective January 1, 2020. Exceptions allow emergency firefighting, fire prevention, and testing at facilities with proper containment, treatment, and disposal measures. The law specifically targets foam for flammable liquid fires (class B) but does not restrict manufacturing, sale, or emergency use of the foam. It defines PFAS chemicals as fluorinated substances used in firefighting formulations and clarifies that the prohibition applies only to non-emergency purposes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam (known environmental pollutants) during training/testing, reducing water/soil contamination risk while allowing emergency use.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Arizona · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 2428: emissions; reduction credits; counties

HB 2428 clarifies jurisdiction over air pollution permits in Arizona, giving the state Department of Environmental Quality primary authority for major sources like power plants and refineries in counties without approved air plans. It allows counties to issue voluntary permits for emission reduction credits related to portable and mobile sources (like vehicles or temporary equipment). This affects local air agencies, businesses needing permits, and entities seeking to certify emission reductions under state law. The bill modifies existing permit procedures without changing pollution standards or creating new emission requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies DEQ authority for major sources and enables voluntary emission credits, promoting pollution control and regulatory clarity for air quality.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed both · Arizona · House Apr 21, 2026

HCR 2057: supporting geothermal energy

HCR 2057 is a concurrent resolution supporting geothermal energy development in Arizona. It calls for state agencies (including the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Department of Environmental Quality, and others) to create a standardized permitting process for next-generation geothermal projects. The resolution does not create new laws but urges agencies to align existing rules to make permitting more predictable for developers. It directly affects geothermal energy companies and Arizona's regulatory agencies by promoting streamlined project approvals. The resolution passed the House and is now moving to the Senate.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly supports geothermal energy development by urging standardized permitting for renewable projects, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing developer barriers.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes geothermal energy development, a clean energy source, advancing environmental protection by facilitating renewable energy projects.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Arizona · House Apr 21, 2026

HCR 2020: for-sale housing; development; groundwater replenishment

HCR 2020 is a non-binding legislative resolution expressing support for for-sale housing developments outside designated water service areas, provided they enroll in the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) and replenish groundwater as required by Arizona's water rules. It directly affects new housing projects in Phoenix, Pinal, and Tucson active management areas by requiring groundwater replenishment to offset usage. The resolution highlights that CAGRD has enabled over 400,000 homes to be built without impacting groundwater tables since 1995, aligning with existing state water management requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires groundwater replenishment for housing developments, conserving a natural resource per Arizona water rules.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2278: financial assurance; reclamation; escrow; trusts

HB 2278 updates Arizona's requirements for mining companies to provide financial assurance to cover future land reclamation costs after operations end. It specifies that mining operators must use approved mechanisms like surety bonds, trust funds, or cash deposits held in third-party escrow accounts. The bill clarifies that mining companies retain all interest earned on cash deposits in escrow accounts (minus fees), and allows partial release of funds as reclamation work progresses. It also standardizes procedures for inspectors to release financial assurance once reclamation is completed, retaining 10% for monitoring and potential reseeding over a three-year period.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates financial assurance for mining reclamation, ensuring environmental restoration funds are available to protect natural resources after operations end.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2029: water conservation grant fund; disclosure

HB 2029 creates a Water Conservation Grant Fund to support water-saving projects in Arizona. It allows eligible entities (like local governments or nonprofits partnering with them) to apply for grants for conservation programs (up to $3 million) or projects (up to $250,000), requiring a 25% match from other sources. Applicants must disclose projected water savings, the source of saved water (groundwater or surface water), and their plan for using the saved water. The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority must adopt implementing rules within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded grant program for water conservation, allocating budget resources to support conservation initiatives.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates grant fund for water conservation projects requiring disclosure of water savings and usage plans, directly advancing environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2117: natural resource conservation board; fund

HB 2117 redirects $17 of the $25 annual fee for Arizona's environmental special license plates into a dedicated fund. The state natural resource conservation board will distribute $5,000 to $10,000 annually to each natural resource conservation district with an established education center. These funds must support environmental education programs that are scientifically based and address economic and social implications. The bill specifies that funds are exclusively for conservation education programs at local districts, without changing the plate fee structure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects $17 of license plate fee into dedicated fund for conservation education programs, advancing fiscal allocation for environmental education within budget framework.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRedirects $17 annual fee to fund environmental education programs at conservation districts with specific requirements for scientifically-based curriculum.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects $17 of license plate fees to conservation education fund, mandating scientifically based environmental programs addressing conservation. Explicitly funds conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

failed · Arizona · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2795: small modular reactors; zoning; approval

HB 2795 modifies Arizona law to allow small modular reactor (SMR) construction and operation by preventing local governments from restricting these projects under specific conditions. It requires SMR developers to obtain federal early site permits and design certifications, then submit proof of these to the county board of supervisors before local zoning rules can be overridden. This directly affects SMR developers and Arizona counties, ensuring federal approvals supersede local zoning for eligible projects. The law does not alter federal requirements but clarifies that counties cannot block SMR sites once the federal steps are completed and documented.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enables SMR construction by overriding local zoning restrictions, advancing nuclear energy infrastructure as a low-carbon energy solution.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEnables SMR development, a low-carbon energy source, facilitating clean energy deployment per bill's zoning override for federal-approved projects.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 1677: appropriation; salt cedar mitigation

This bill allocates $3 million from the state general fund for salt cedar mitigation along specific sections of the Gila River, managed by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The funds will target areas west of State Route 85 to Gillespie Dam and west of McPhaul Bridge to the Gila River/Colorado River confluence. It is a funding bill with no new policy requirements, exempting the appropriation from standard lapsing rules under Arizona law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $3M from state general fund for environmental mitigation, directly funding a specific program under budget management.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $3M for salt cedar mitigation, an invasive species harming river ecosystems, directly protecting waterways and native habitats.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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