Relating to the issuance of air quality permits for certain facilities located in a nonattainment area.

HB 853 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to conduct a new analysis before issuing air quality permits for major facility construction or significant modifications in areas failing federal air quality standards (nonattainment areas). The analysis must evaluate alternative locations, facility sizes, production methods, and pollution controls to ensure the project's benefits outweigh environmental and social costs. It also mandates consideration of cumulative pollution impacts from the proposed facility without changes to its site or operations. This applies only to pending permit applications after September 1, 2025, affecting major industrial facilities in nonattainment zones.