North Carolina S597 mandates consideration of cumulative environmental impacts on minority and low-income communities in permitting decisions.

North Carolina S597 requires operators to consider the cumulative impact of proposed environmental permitting decisions on minority or low-income communities. The bill mandates enhanced public participation for permitting decisions impacting overburdened communities. It defines "adverse impact" to include impacts on public health. The bill applies to applications for permits or permit renewals pending on July 1, 2025, and to environmental documents submitted on or after that date.

North Carolina S597 mandates consideration of cumulative environmental impacts on minority and low-income communities in permitting decisions.

North Carolina S597 requires operators to consider the cumulative impact of proposed environmental permitting decisions on minority or low-income communities. The bill mandates enhanced public participation for permitting decisions impacting overburdened communities. It defines "adverse impact" to include impacts on public health. The bill applies to applications for permits or permit renewals pending on July 1, 2025, and to environmental documents submitted on or after that date.