2026 Session Wrap: Arizona
HB2013: exceptional events; air quality; wildfires
The bill would require the state to submit an exceptional event demonstration to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if a wildfire larger than 25,000 acres occurs on federally managed land and the resulting smoke or land damage affects Arizona. This addition is intended to ensure that air quality impacts from large wildfires, which are considered exceptional events, are formally recognized and reported to the EPA, potentially influencing regulatory compliance and air quality standards. The bill maintains existing duties of the DEQ, such as monitoring air quality, establishing air pollution control districts, setting ambient air standards, conducting investigations, and developing dust forecasts for PM-10 nonattainment or maintenance areas. No specific funding allocations or deadlines are mentioned in the bill.
The governor vetoed the bill, citing concerns that it would create a duplicative, unfunded mandate and impose additional costs on the state.
2026 Wildfire Bill Tracking &
Forging a Resilient West Dashboard
Western States
This memo was prepared by CSG West staff using AI-assisted research tools, with findings reviewed and verified prior to publication. The Council of State Governments (CSG) is a nonpartisan organization that provides members with unbiased research based on peer-reviewed evidence, reliable data, facts, and objective analysis. CSG takes no position on any pending legislation, enacted laws; proposed or enacted regulations, executive orders or agreements, or other executive actions; past or present court rulings or orders; or any other governmental action or potential action mentioned in this brief or in any linked material. Additionally, CSG does not endorse the viewpoints of any outside author, source, or third-party publication mentioned; sources cited are for informational purposes only.