REFERENCE TITLE: study committee on climate change

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

HB 2682

Introduced by

Representatives Hernandez D: Blackwater-Nygren, Powers Hannley, Shah, Solorio

AN ACT

Establishing a climate change study committee.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Climate change study committee; membership; duties; report; delayed repeal

A. The climate change study committee is established consisting of:

1. Two senators who are appointed by the president of the senate.

2. Two representatives who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

3. Seven members who are appointed jointly by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives and who include the following:

(a) One member who has expertise in climatology.

(b) One member who has expertise in the economy of this state.

(c) One member who has expertise in land management or maintenance of natural resources.

(d) One member who represents the tourism industry.

(e) Three public members.

4. The senate and house of representatives committees on natural resources, energy and water shall assign staff to provide administrative support to the committee.

B. The public members are not eligible to receive compensation, but the public members are eligible for reimbursement of expenses until title 38, chapter 4, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes.

C. The committee shall:

1. Assess the current and potential effects of climate change trends on the citizens, natural resources, public health and economy of this state.

2. Estimate the costs of climate change.

3. Examine the measures that might prevent or mitigate the effects of flooding, erosion, drought or wildfires that might be caused or worsened by climate change.

4. Recommend laws and regulations that may minimize the adverse impacts of climate change.

5.  Conduct hearings throughout this state, as required.

6. On or before January 1, 2024, submit a report regarding the study committee's findings and recommendations to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives and the chairpersons of the natural resources, energy and water committees and shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state.

D. This section is repealed from and after June 30, 2025.

Sec. 2. Short title

This act may be cited as the "Climate Change Impact Assessment Act".