Environmental justice assessment notices
The Healthy Environment for All Act (HEAL Act) requires specific state agencies to conduct an environmental justice assessment for significant agency actions.
- The development and adoption of significant legislative rules as defined in RCW 34.05.328.
- The development and adoption of any new grant or loan program that the agency is explicitly authorized or required by statute to implement.
- A capital project, grant, or loan award costing at least $12,000,000.
- A transportation project, grant, or loan costing at least $15,000,000.
- The submission of agency request legislation to the Office of the Governor or OFM for approval.
An environmental justice assessment is a process to:
- identify and assess the impacts of a significant agency action on overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes;
- solicit community and tribal input in the development of the action and on options to mitigate, reduce or eliminate harms and equitably distribute benefits associated with the action;
- report on how the agency did or did not modify the action based upon community and tribal input.
The goal of an EJ assessment is to help a state agency make decisions and to assist with:
- equitably distributing environmental benefits;
- reducing environmental harms;
- identifying and reducing environmental and health disparities through the implementation of the action.
Agencies covered by the HEAL Act or who have opted in to the HEAL Act requirements include these departments:
- Agriculture (WSDA)
- Commerce
- Ecology
- Health (DOH)
- Natural Resources (DNR)
- Transportation (WSDOT)
- Office of the Attorney General
- Puget Sound Partnership (PSP)
Under RCW 70A.02.090 each covered agency must file a notice with us of significant agency actions for which the agency is initiating an environmental justice assessment. We prepare a list of all filings received from covered agencies each week to post here every Friday.
Below is list of state agency environmental justice assessments that you can filter by agency or type of action, or use the search bar to find certains terms. Select the "+" symbol for desciptions of the action, how the public can provide input, and a link to the EJ assessment when completed. For a dashboard summarizing the assessments received to date, see the HEAL Act dashboards.
| Date submitted |
Date initiated |
Date completed | Agency | Type | Agency action | Description | Methods for providing public comment | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/03/2024 | 09/09/2024 | 04/28/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Washington Federal Funding Grant Writing Technical Assistance Program | The $4.5M FFGWAP is designed for Washington community-based organizations, local government agencies, ports, housing authorities, tribes, businesses, and others eligible to receive Federal funds to prepare and submit grant applications, and to help Washington meet its clean electricity and greenhouse gas reduction goals using approaches that enhance equity, innovation, economic growth, and job creation. | Program information has been made public on the program web page, through a variety of webinars and presentations in the Fall of 2024, and through the HEAL dashboards here and on the Commerce website. Public comments were provided through surveys and webinar feedback. No comments were received during the EJA public comment period. |
Completed Federal Fund Grant Writing Assistance Program (FFGWAP) |
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| 09/05/2024 | 09/05/2024 | Ongoing | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Rule Making to Amend Chapter 16-202 WAC, Application of Pesticides and Plant Nutrients through Irrigation Systems | The Department is considering modifying the rules for chemigation and fertigation monitoring to incorporate present technological capabilities and potential future automation capabilities for application of pesticides and fertilizers through irrigation systems. | Govdelivery notification and website posting. |
Ongoing |
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| 08/30/2024 | 08/30/2024 | 10/25/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | ARL - Increase ADO Funding & Update Governing Statute | Proposed bill addresses inequitable reporting requirements, provides equitable funding floors and ceilings, and addresses ADO match requirements that provide greater discretion to the agency to define. | Open meeting, written comment, and solicitation through ADO association. |
Completed ARL - Increase ADO Funding & Update Governing Statute |
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| 09/27/2024 | 08/30/2024 | 04/28/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Clean Building Performance Grants | The Energy Division was allocated funding from the State to support privately owned Tier 1 buildings and publicly owned Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings pursuing compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard, pending election results. | Public comments for this EJA can be submitted to buildings@commerce.wa.gov. No comments were received on this EJA during the public comment window. |
Completed Clean Building Performance Grant |
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| 08/29/2024 | 08/29/2024 | Ongoing | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Cannabis Technical Fix | The RCW 43.330.540 Section 1(ii) states “Cannabis licensees holding a license issued after April 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, who meet the social equity applicant criteria under RCW 69.50.335” we are expanding this to match the Bill 5080 to extend the timeline to 2032. In addition, we are expanding grantee recipients to include Research Stipends and Renewal Energy construction. | The program is based on the Social Equity Task Force. This Task Force will make recommendations to promote business ownership among individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs, in order to remedy the harms resulting from the enforcement of cannabis-related laws. The Task Force will work to center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities that have been most impacted by enforcement of cannabis-related laws. |
Ongoing |
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| 01/14/2025 | 08/27/2024 | Ongoing | Transportation, Department of | Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million | Community Transit Swift Gold Line | Community Transit is preparing to improve transit service for Arlington, Marysville, and Everett by expanding the Swift bus rapid transit (BRT) network with the Swift Gold Line. If Community Transit is awarded a Regional Mobility Grant, WSDOT would provide a $15 million grant award to support this work. | Community Transit’s Community Engagement team is utilizing a four-phased engagement approach that began by introducing the project and gathering input on route options July 11-Aug. 7, 2024. In 2025, Community Transit will conduct three additional engagement periods. At each phase, community members and riders will be notified of the opportunity to provide input through a variety of methods. Methods for gathering input include: 1. Online open house survey and interactive mapping exercise 2. Phone number for our Customer Care team to provide input and ask questions over the phone 3. Email address for submitting comments 4. By mail 5. At a variety of in-person events at libraries and other community events 6. Social media |
Ongoing |
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| 08/21/2024 | 08/21/2024 | 08/27/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Public Disclosure Protections for Energy Critical Infrastructure Information | Proposing a change to RCW 42.56 which would exclude critical infrastructure information (as defined by Federal law) from public disclosure. This would encourage utilities to report physical and cybersecurity threats and damage with the Energy Resilience & Emergency Management Office for coordination on response and restoration activities. | Stakeholder interviews Email comments submitted to eli.king@commerce.wa.gov |
Completed Public Disclosure Protections for Energy Critical Infrastructure Information |
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| 09/24/2024 | 08/21/2024 | 09/24/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Tire Cost Reduction Act- Reducing rolling resistance of motor vehicle replacement tires | Commerce is proposing new agency request legislation and related funding in the 25-27 operating budget to create and implement energy efficiency standards for replacement tires. | Commerce will conduct both broad-based and focused engagement in the fall prior to introduction, including: A public workshop and/or listening session, held virtually to increase accessibility An online survey Inviting community based organizations who have engaged on the Transportation Electrification Strategy and other Energy Division activities to participate in engagement activities and/or smaller meetings Requesting information and feedback, written or through meetings, from small business tire retailers and fleets |
Action did not move forward Tire cost reduction act - reducing the rolling resistance of motor vehicle replacement tires ARL not moving forward |
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| 03/13/2025 | 08/20/2024 | Action did not move forward | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Tire Cost Reduction Act - Reducing rolling resistance of motor vehicle replacement tires | Rolling resistance of tires has a significant effect on the fuel efficiency of motor vehicles, and the sales of high rolling resistance replacement tires when low rolling resistance tire technology is in use by new vehicles costs the average gasoline vehicle driver the equivalent of approximately 50% of the state gas tax. Commerce is proposing new agency request legislation and related funding in the 25-27 Operating budget to create and implement energy efficiency standards for replacement tires. | Quarterly tribal briefing, advisory groups, stakeholder interviews, etc. |
Action did not move forward ARL did not move forward |
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| 08/15/2024 | 08/15/2024 | 09/06/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Unlocking the Clean Building Incentive Program | The Clean Buildings Performance standard, passed in 2019 (HB 1257) and expanded in 2022 (SB 5722), sets first-in-nation energy efficiency standards for large buildings in the state. In the 2023 capital budget, the legislature directed Commerce to convene a workgroup to study the financial impacts for the standard’s largest buildings (also called Tier 1 buildings) to comply with the law. The workgroup, composed of representatives from across the Washington buildings sector, has convened for more than a year to identify barriers and opportunities for the Clean Buildings performance standard. The workgroup is developing a list of recommendations to help building owners be able to comply more easily with the statewide standard. This ARL will bring forward several of those legislatively-focused recommendations on increasing the options buildings can use to comply with the standard. | Public comments for this EJA can be submitted to buildings@commerce.wa.gov. |
Completed Unlocking the Clean Building Incentive Program |
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| 10/14/2024 | 08/12/2024 | Ongoing | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Establishing a quarantine to prevent untreated firewood from entering Washington State | The department is considering establishing a quarantine of untreated out-of-state firewood to prevent the introduction of plant pests and bee pests. The movement of firewood containing plant pests and bee pests poses a threat to Washington’s forests, agricultural, and environmental interests. Eggs, larvae, and adult stages of many invasive insect pests can be carried on or inside firewood and are easily spread when firewood is moved from one location to another. Introductions of these invasive insect pests have destroyed forests and are costly to control. Such invasive plant pests include emerald ash borer, spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly, pine wood nematode, Sirex woodwasp, Japanese cedar longhorn beetle, and other insects and organisms that can directly or indirectly injure or cause disease or damage in plants or parts of plants or in processed, manufactured, or other products of plants, or that can be considered bee pests. Many states, including Oregon, have already enacted firewood quarantines that prohibit out-of-state firewood that has not been properly heat-treated against pest organisms. These quarantines seek to prevent potentially infested firewood from entering the state and introducing invasive plant pests and bee pests. This firewood quarantine is necessary to disrupt a dispersal pathway for several invasive plant pests, especially wood-boring insects, and will help prevent their introduction into Washington. | TBD |
Ongoing |
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| 08/09/2024 | 08/09/2024 | 09/30/2024 | Ecology, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Wood Stove Standards | The Department is proposing legislation that would allow the agency to review and verify the results of required EPA tests for wood burning stoves to ensure stove performance data is reliable. This will allow Ecology to ensure stoves truly meet national standards so that consumers and residents can have confidence in the performance of the devices installed in their homes. | Ecology plans to conduct public engagement in August and early September of 2024, with outreach focused on people from overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes, for the purpose of developing this Environmental Justice Assessment. Ecology will provide a variety of ways for the public to provide input to inform this Environmental Justice Assessment, including: online public meetings, individual and small group meetings with interested parties, and online public comments. We will also reach out to groups with an environmental and environmental justice focus and community-based groups by email and phone to see if they would like to provide input for this assessment. We will also provide a summary of the proposal to Tribes and provide an opportunity for government-to-government consultation. As we schedule opportunities for public feedback and participation, we will share them through our website. |
Completed Wood Stove Standards Agency Request Legislation: An Environmental Justice Assessment (per RCW 70A.02.060) |
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| 08/09/2024 | 08/09/2024 | 09/13/2024 | Ecology, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Climate Resilience Governance | RCW 70A.05 requires Ecology, in coordination with other partner agencies, to recommend a durable governance structure for coordinating and implementing the state’s climate resilience strategy by September 30, 2024. This legislation would establish the recommended governance structure. It will ensure the state has an ongoing mechanism for strategic alignment, collaboration, transparency, and accountability across the many state agencies that can support and advance greater climate resilience in Washington. | A public comment period was held on the draft climate resilience strategy, including the proposed governance structure. Public comments on the EJ Assessment can be provided by email to agency staff at: jennifer.hennessey@ecy.wa.gov. Ecology plans to reach out to and meet with representatives of environmental justice organizations to gather additional input on the EJ Assessment and the proposed significant agency action. |
Completed Agency Request Legislation: Interagency Climate Resilience Coordinating Council An Environmental Justice Assessment (per RCW 70A |
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| 09/25/2024 | 08/07/2024 | Ongoing | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program (FFGWAP) | The FFGWAP is designed for Washington community-based organizations, local government agencies, ports, housing authorities, tribes, businesses, and others eligible to receive Federal funds to prepare and submit grant applications, and to help Washington meet its clean electricity and greenhouse gas reduction goals using approaches that enhance equity, innovation, economic growth, and job creation. | Program participant survey; 1:1 intake sessions and meetings with contractor (Hagerty) and agency staff PUBLIC COMMENT IS OPEN ON THE DRAFT EJA LOCATED HERE: https://deptofcommerce.box.com/s/3qslblcjdns9nfspnuzd3izojxb2e80e. |
Ongoing |
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| 08/07/2024 | 08/07/2024 | 07/01/2025 | Ecology, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Update to Water Quality Permit Fee Rule (173-224 WAC) | Ecology has initiated an agency rulemaking action to update our Water Quality Permit Fees (Chapter 173-224 WAC). This chapter carries out Ecology’s requirement under RCW 90.48.465 to establish, by rule, annual fees to recover Ecology’s program cost of administering the wastewater and stormwater permit programs. This chapter also considers the economic impact of our fees on permitted small dischargers and public entities, and makes appropriate adjustments where applicable. Ecology strives to update this chapter every two years to ensure our permit fees reflect the most current costs to Ecology and impacts on our permittees. We use these fees to recover our program costs to administer our permit programs, which protect Washington’s waters from pollution. This rule covers a statewide geographical scope. The anticipated impact of this rulemaking action is limited to the permitted facilities that pay these fees. This rulemaking action does not expect to introduce new environmental impacts or impacts specific to overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes. | Ecology is beginning to develop draft rule language and will invite the public to participate in the development over the next few months. This may include workshops, webinars, and online comment periods. To stay engaged with this process, please join our email list (https://ecology.wa.gov/EmailList/WQfee) and visit our webpage for updates (https://ecology.wa.gov/WQ-fee-rule). Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov to discuss this environmental justice assessment. |
Completed Update to Water Quality Permit Fee Rule Environmental Justice Assessment |
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| 08/01/2024 | 08/01/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | New grant or loan program | Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead grant program | The Washington State Department of Ecology, the Washington State Conservation Commission, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation, established a partnership coalition to promote innovative and sustainable approaches to riparian management. The Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead (CR2SL) team will administer sub-awards to Puget Sound partners that result in greater area of riparian acreage protected, restored, or maintained for climate resiliency. Surrounding Puget Sound communities will benefit from resulting riparian restoration efforts as these projects are known to increase canopy cover and green spaces, improve water quality and improve habitat for fish and aquatic life. The CR2SL team will engage key stakeholders and partners to design the funding program to best support their needs and to increase their efficiency and capacity. This approach will foster the identification of multi-benefit project opportunities to promote collaborative riparian area management in Puget Sound watersheds, including nature-based solutions to climate resiliency and adaptation. | The CR2SL program will use a variety of methods to engage with Puget Sound Tribes, as well as people from overburdened communities and vulnerable populations to inform this work, including: inviting formal consultation with Tribes; hosting virtual listening sessions for Tribal members and staff; distributing a Tribal listening session follow-up worksheet; inviting consultation with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission; inviting Tribal participation in the CR2SL advisory group; inviting a tribal liaison to participate in the CR2SL oversight team; hosting virtual and in-person meetings to solicit input from community based organizations operating within the program footprint; web content; and GovDelivery distribution list. Outreach and engagement efforts began in January 2024 and will continue throughout program development and implementation. Outreach and engagement will focus on Tribal engagement and engagement with the Puget Sound watershed restoration community, including community based organizations that represent overburdened and vulnerable communities that might potentially impacted by the new grant program. |
Ongoing |
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| 09/26/2024 | 07/31/2024 | 04/29/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program | The Energy Division was allocated funding from the state to support the development of a federal clean energy tax assistance program to provide free tax assistance and resources to eligible entities, with a focus on prioritizing community-based organizations, local governments, ports, tribes, and vulnerable populations in overburdened communities, to support the procurement of federal clean energy tax incentives. | Email messaging, 1:1 meetings, in-person workgroups, virtual meetings/webinars, conferences |
Completed Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program |
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| 07/31/2024 | 07/25/2024 | Action did not move forward | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Extending public records act exemptions at the Department of Commerce | Running an agency request legislation to extend public records act exemptions at the department of commerce | N/A |
Action did not move forward ARL did not move forward. |
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| 07/25/2024 | 07/25/2024 | 09/25/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Change to Reentry Council Statute | ARL to request changes to the Washington State Reentry Council RCW to 1) allow for compensation for community members participating on the council for their lived experience, and 2) to expand the Council to include 2 additional representatives of people who are currently incarcerated. | Advisory Groups |
Completed Reentry Council Changes - Agency Request Legislation |
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| 07/25/2024 | 07/25/2024 | 09/23/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Victims of Crime Act Stabilization | OCVA’s most significant resources for crime victims in Washington is tied to federal funding associated with the Victims of Crime Victim’s Act (VOCA). Federal VOCA Assistance funds have been declining and, in response, the state has provided supplemental funds that will expire on June 30, 2025. We are anticipating a very severe “funding cliff” for WA state if both state supplemental funds go away and federal VOCA funds are reduced as projected. Washington state needs a sustainable solution to maintain VOCA infrastructure and ensure access to services for victims/survivors. | Advisory Groups Email comments Listening Sessions (as host) Surveys Draft EJA posted for public comment at the link below |
Action did not move forward Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Stabilization - Agency Request Legislation (ARL) N/A |
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| 07/18/2024 | 07/18/2024 | 09/17/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Change to Lead Based Paint Statute | The Lead Based Paint program at Commerce helps prevent lead exposure through certification, accreditation, enforcement, and compliance with lead-safe work practices. This agency request legislation (ARL) would update RCW 40A.420 to allow for rulemaking to set certification fees, update outdated rules, and clarify that Commerce is at least as protective as federal and state regulations. It supports efforts to reduce lead exposure in houses or child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978. Lead based paint is extremely harmful and toxic to the environment and human health. | The Lead Based Paint program has notified its stakeholders of the proposed agency-request legislation and is requesting feedback via email, electronic survey, and/or virtual meeting. |
Completed Change to Lead Based Paint Statute |
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| 07/18/2024 | 07/18/2024 | Action did not move forward | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Advancing a Green Hydrogen Economy | This ARL will advance several key recommendations from Commerce’s recent green hydrogen and renewable fuels legislative report in order to support hydrogen deployment in Washington. Key items include: establishing a formal state target for in-state green electrolytic hydrogen production; creating a new tax incentive and grant program for hydrogen end users to help direct hydrogen to the most strategic sectors; and advancing environmental justice recommendations including hydrogen combustion testing to assess NOx emissions. | Those that have comments or feedback on the EJ assessment for the green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable fuels ARL can email them to Shannon Pressler, Engagement Specialist, at shannon.pressler@commerce.wa.gov. |
Action did not move forward Different priorities advanced during the supplemental session. |
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| 10/10/2024 | 07/01/2024 | Action did not move forward | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Clean Energy Ambassadors Program | Commerce is exploring a potential Clean Energy Ambassadors program that would offer education, planning, technical assistance, and community engagement across the state. If enacted, this program would offer funding for education, planning, technical assistance, and community engagement across the state to increase clean energy access for all and a just transition to a net-zero economy. Commerce is pursuing multiple funding sources that could enable the program to move forward in early 2025. Discussions at these community workshops will inform the future program. | Commerce seeks to listen and learn from communities and tribes about their visions for a clean energy future. This fall, we invite you to participate in regional workshops to share your ideas and learn about upcoming opportunities like Clean Energy Ambassadors. There are factsheets uploaded here (https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/d6y2jd3wf0b1ghr6z4vjz9lxd2uag54a - soon to be available in multiple languages), and there is a registration form available here (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/54e49f8a01034da4967c3a169aee030d). Both have more information on dates, times, and locations. Commerce will also distribute this information via email to the update list that you can sign up for on this webpage: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/epic/, to organizations that have expressed interest in the program, and through other networks and modes of communication. DRAFT EJA VIEWABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT HERE: https://deptofcommerce.box.com/s/vopxz1cxl72rfl3hj64fovjiob3rd7rq, |
Action did not move forward Program not moving forward due to budget |
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| 09/05/2024 | 06/28/2024 | Ongoing | Transportation, Department of | Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million | State Route 3 Gorst Area Planning and Environmental Linkages Study | In June 2024, WSDOT will begin a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to look at State Route 3 in Gorst. The PEL will allow WSDOT to meet with a variety of stakeholders. These include regulatory agencies, the Suquamish Tribe, local governments and all users of the highway. During this process, WSDOT will work with these groups to define a purpose and need. WSDOT will also present and discuss design options for SR 3 near Gorst. These options will then go through an environmental process. This study looks at adding a lane to SR 3 in each direction from Gorst to SR 304. It also explores elevating the roadway through Gorst, replacing the Navy’s railroad crossing of SR 3 and replacing nearby fish barriers. | Various methods are still to be determined, but you can register your email address at the website linked below to stay up to date on this effort as changes occur. |
Ongoing |
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| 06/27/2024 | 06/27/2024 | Ongoing | Board of Health, Washington State | Significant legislative rules | Primary and Secondary School Environmental Health and Safety Standards | The State Board of Health (Board), in collaboration with the Department of Health (Department) is conducting an Environmental Justice Assessment for proposed rules regulating environmental health and safety standards for K-12 schools. This rulemaking is required by a budget proviso that was included in the Washington State 2024 supplemental operating budget, (Section 222, subsection 159, page 492). The new chapter will establish updated, minimum statewide health and safety standards for schools and formalize school environmental health and safety inspection procedures. Topics that may be addressed in proposed rules are: • Indoor air quality including heating, cooling, and ventilation • Water quality • Noise • Moisture and mold • Lighting • Restrooms/showers • Playgrounds • Laboratory and shop safety • Sewage • Food safety | ~ May 2024: Invite Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Members - The proviso named specific organizations to work in collaboration with the Board to update the rules as part of a technical advisory committee (TAC). A full list of required representatives can be found on the agency webpage linked. The Board will include additional members such as Parent-Teacher Organizations, Teachers Unions, Students, and private schools. ~ Aug 2024 – Nov 2024: TAC Meetings - Work with members of the TAC to draft rule language and discuss implementation. TAC meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to join. ~ Dec 2024: Focus Groups- Virtual and in-person meetings will be held to discuss preliminary draft language to help the Board rulemaking team make informed decisions about finalized draft rule language. These meetings will take place across Washington state. All members of the public are welcome to participate in these focus groups. ~ Dec 2024: Informal Comment Period - Invite all interested parties to review and share feedback on the draft rule language. All members of the public are welcome to provide comments during the informal comment period. |
Ongoing |
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| 07/11/2024 | 06/25/2024 | 09/12/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | WSBO Program Update, including SBO Goals Update and Transfer of the administrative duties for the Digital Equity Forum to the Office of Equity | This Agency Request Legislation will accomplish two things. First, to formally move the administration of the Digital Equity Forum to the Office of Equity. Second, we also plan to update WSBO goals in RCW 43.330.536 to better align with the current work in PWB, CERB and the SBO. | Input for this ARL can be provided using our public comment form. https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/78649f9ca0b74d35854a7e817bd0e349 |
Completed State Broadband Office Program Update ARL |
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| 07/19/2024 | 06/24/2024 | Ongoing | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Amending the fees that support the Fruit & Vegetable Inspection Program in chapter 16-390 WAC. | Increases Fruit & Vegetable Program fees and revises the fee schedule to more accurately reflect the scope of services provided, including but not limited to adding fees for services that are not specifically identified in current rule. | Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. |
Ongoing |
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| 09/05/2024 | 06/16/2024 | Ongoing | Transportation, Department of | Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million | SR 525 Paver and Complete Streets Project | This project will grind and pave Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) on both directions of the SR 525 Spur to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal, to extend the pavement service life and preserve the roadway. In addition, this project will evaluate and replace/modify all pedestrian curb ramps within the project limits that do not meet ADA standards. | TBD |
Ongoing |
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| 06/14/2024 | 06/14/2024 | 06/04/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Home Rehabilitation Grant Program | Department of Commerce administered the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP). In 2023 the Legislature passed substitute HB 1250, mandating Commerce to go through the rule process and convert HRLP from a loan program to a grant program. | Public comments may be sent to Commerce about the draft EJA: https://deptofcommerce.box.com/s/3zwj7r91bnhye0uqfnrvw42sei18k05b. Commerce will participate in a Tribal briefing, release a Request for Information and hold virtual stakeholder input meetings. |
Completed Low-Income Home Rehabilitation Program |
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| 06/13/2024 | 06/13/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Other | Potential linkage of Washington’s Cap-and-Invest carbon market with the joint California-Québec carbon market | As required by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), Ecology is investigating the option of linking Washington’s Cap-and-Invest carbon market with the California-Québec carbon market. Through linkage, Washington’s carbon market would combine with the joint California-Québec market to create a single shared market with joint allowance auctions and a common allowance price across all jurisdictions. Allowances could be traded across jurisdictions and used to cover emissions in any of the three jurisdictions. The law also requires Ecology to evaluate specific criteria to ensure linkage would benefit Washington’s communities, economy, and climate goals. Ecology is pursuing linkage with California and Québec based on a preliminary analysis that joining a larger carbon market will lead to lower and more consistent allowance prices, benefitting businesses and consumers in Washington. This Environmental Justice Assessment is separate from the Environmental Justice Assessment being conducted on the Cap-and-Invest Linkage Rulemaking. Additionally, Ecology previously conducted an Environmental Justice Assessment on the 2024 carbon market linkage agency request legislation (Senate Bill 6058). We will consider input received through those other linkage related Environmental Justice Assessments in this Assessment. While the completion of each of these Environmental Justice Assessments is a separate legal obligation, Ecology intends to approach them as a comprehensive, iterative process of engagement and consultation that will continually inform our awareness and understanding of potential impacts as well as potential methods to minimize or eliminate harms and maximize benefits for vulnerable populations and overburdened communities. All of these processes must be complete before Ecology can sign a linkage agreement. | Ecology plans to conduct public engagement starting in summer 2024, with outreach focused on people from overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes, for the purpose of developing this Environmental Justice Assessment. Ecology will provide a variety of ways for the public to provide input to inform this Environmental Justice Assessment, including: online public meetings, individual and small group meetings with interested parties, and online public comments. We will also reach out to groups with an environmental and environmental justice focus and community-based groups by email and phone to see if they would like to provide input for this assessment. We will also ask if groups are hosting meetings that Ecology can participate in to share information, answer questions, and continue to gather input. As we schedule opportunities for feedback and participation, we will share them through our website and email distribution list. Visit the linkage webpage at cca.wa.gov/linkage for updates or email us at CCALinkage@ecy.wa.gov with comments or questions. |
Ongoing |
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| 06/05/2024 | 06/05/2024 | 08/31/2024 | Ecology, Department of | New grant or loan program | Improving Air Quality in Overburdened Communities Grants Program | Section 3 of the Climate Commitment Act, RCW 70A.65.020, requires Ecology to take actions to reduce criteria air pollutant emissions in identified overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution. To help meet these reduction requirements, Ecology is developing and implementing a new grant program to incentivize and support the reduction of non-regulated sources of criteria pollutant emissions in communities identified to be overburdened and highly impacted by air pollution. Ecology will lead an inclusive outreach effort to engage with Tribes, local municipalities, and non-governmental organizations in these communities to seek input on the design of the grant program. $10M will be available to organizations severing these communities to engage with people in their community towards the goal of identifying and developing local projects to improve air quality. Reducing criteria air pollution will improve air quality and protect public health in overburdened and highly impacted communities and will help to reduce environmental and health disparities. This grant program is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). | We will use a variety of methods to engage with people from overburdened communities and vulnerable populations to inform this work, including inviting formal consultation with Tribes and a virtual listening session for Tribal members and staff; virtual listening sessions for organizations serving overburdened communities, including community groups and local municipalities; an online public comment period; as possible, direct outreach and education, including tabling at community events and attending existing community meetings; web content; and GovDelivery distribution list. Outreach and engagement efforts will occur in May and June 2024 and focus on the communities Ecology identified as overburdened and highly impacted by air pollution and Tribes. |
Completed Air Quality in Overburdened Communities Grant Environmental Justice Assessment |
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| 06/27/2024 | 05/30/2024 | 10/25/2024 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Washington Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program | The Washington Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program dedicates $150 million to assist low- and moderate-income households with the clean energy transition. This initiative will offer bill credits of $200 per income qualified household to eligible residential customers through their electric utility provider.The Department of Commerce will distribute grants to all utility companies in Washington, enabling them to pass on $200 bill credits to customer accounts by September 15, 2024. | March - September 2024: Community Meetings (as guest) Email comments OTHER Print Media Web-based comment form A call center may be supported and furnished with Commerce's administrative funding. However, this has not yet established in contract. |
Completed WA Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program |
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| 05/22/2024 | 05/22/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Cosmetic Products Rulemaking | The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) started a rulemaking to develop a new chapter in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC): Chapter 173-339 WAC—Cosmetic Products Restrictions. Ecology is conducting this rulemaking to: • Make cosmetics safer for consumers and the environment. • Reduce consumers’ and workers’ exposure to formaldehyde. • Address the disproportionate harms caused by cosmetic products in overburdened communities and vulnerable populations. • Reduce the amount of formaldehyde entering the environment. Under the authority of Chapter 70A.560 RCW (Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act), Ecology may adopt a rule that identifies chemicals used in cosmetic products that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde releasers) and adopt restrictions for the identified formaldehyde releasers. This rule may include: • Restrictions that apply to the use of specified formaldehyde releasers used in cosmetic products. • Allowances for products currently in the chain of commerce—stockpiled or available for purchase. • Compliance schedules. • Definitions of key terms such as “intentionally added.” • Other requirements or restrictions allowed by law. Background People use cosmetic products every day to clean their bodies or alter their appearance. Cosmetic products include items such as makeup, perfume, shampoo, hair gels, body wash, deodorant, hand lotion, and shaving cream. These products can contain chemicals that are toxic to people and the environment. In the Chemicals in Cosmetics Used by Washington Residents report (January, 2023), Ecology and the Department of Health found that many cosmetic products contain toxic chemicals. Some products disproportionately marketed to women of color, such as hair relaxers and skin lightening creams, often contain toxic chemicals. Some chemicals used in cosmetic products release formaldehyde, which exposes people to the chemical when they use the product. Formaldehyde can cause cancer, harm brain function, increase the risk of asthma, and irritate eyes and skin. Exposure can also lead to allergic reactions. Cosmetic products also can release formaldehyde into indoor and outdoor air. Formaldehyde can also enter wastewater streams as products are washed down the drain. In 2023, Washington state adopted Chapter 70A.560 RCW to ensure the safety of cosmetic products and protect Washington residents from toxic exposure. The law: • Restricts the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cosmetic products containing nine chemicals or chemical classes. • Directs Ecology to assess the hazards of chemicals or chemical classes that can provide the same or similar function as the restricted chemicals or chemical classes and make that information available to the public. • Directs Ecology to implement initiatives to support small businesses that manufacture cosmetic products, and to support independent cosmetologists and small businesses that provide cosmetology services in efforts to transition to safer cosmetic products. • Authorizes Ecology to adopt a rule that restricts the use of specified formaldehyde releasers in cosmetic products. | We plan to conduct engagement for this rulemaking starting this summer and into the winter of 2024. Engagement efforts may include public meetings, a focus group, outreach with community-based organizations, opportunities to review and comment on draft rule requirements, public comment periods, and formal public hearings. We will focus on engaging with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations most impacted by formaldehyde releasers in cosmetic products. We will also invite consultation from Tribes who may additionally be interested in informing the development of this work. As this work continues to develop, we will share details about engagement opportunities and resources on our website and through our email distribution list. For more information, sign up for email announcements, visit our rulemaking webpage, or contact Stacey Callaway, rulemaking lead, at ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov or 360-584-5661. As we schedule additional opportunities to provide feedback and participate in workshops, we will share details on our webpages and via our email list. We anticipate: • Developing draft rule requirements in the summer of 2024. Our next webinar will occur on June 11, 2024. See our events listing webpage for more information. Use our online comment form to provide feedback on draft rule requirements, the rulemaking process, and our efforts to implement Chapter 70A.560 RCW. • Proposing a formal draft rule, providing a public comment period, and hosting hearings, in the fall and winter of 2024. • Adopting the revised rule in the spring or summer of 2025. |
Ongoing |
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| 09/05/2024 | 05/15/2024 | 02/26/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Economic Development: Community Reinvestment Program | The development and adoption of any new grant or loan program that a covered agency is explicitly authorized or required by statute to carry out. | Advisory Groups Community Meetings (as guest), Focus Groups, GovDelivery Emails, Stakeholder Interviews and Steering Committee. |
Completed Economic Development: Community Reinvestment Program |
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| 07/30/2024 | 05/10/2024 | 10/02/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Direct Cash Transfer for Youth Pilot Program | Agency Request Legislation with funds appropriated to implement a pilot program during 2025-2027 to give direct cash transfers to youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability | Currently, the funds passed during the 2023-2024 legislative session to contract and design a direct cash transfer program are being utilized to host a team of individuals with lived experience to host focus groups and decide how to design the pilot program. OHY has agreed that we can utilize the existing planned focus groups which will occur in late August to specifically ask about environmental justice and health in relation to the proposed program to utilize for the final EJA. |
Completed Direct Cash Transfer for Youth Program ARL |
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| 07/30/2024 | 05/10/2024 | 10/02/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Housing- and Homelessness-Related RCW Changes | This proposal seeks to make seven (7) RCW changes to streamline and clarify statutes related to housing and homelessness programs operated by Commerce. | Tribal engagement and survey |
Completed Housing and Homelessness Related RCW Changes ARL |
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| 05/10/2024 | 05/10/2024 | 02/26/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Reentry Services: Community Reinvestment Program | This new grant expands the existing Reentry Grant Program that provides reentry services to justice- involved individuals who have recently exited or are in the process of exiting incarceration. | Advisory Groups Community Meetings (as guest), Focus Group, GovDelivery, Office Hours posted on the Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project website, Email through Dept of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project Website, Steering Committee. PUBLIC COMMENT WINDOW HAS OPENED FOR THIS EJA DRAFT: https://deptofcommerce.box.com/s/yqf9ci6y57otmm6uyav0949srn8waywv |
Completed Reentry Services: Community Reinvestment Program |
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| 05/02/2024 | 05/02/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Chapters 173-18, -20, -22, -26, and -27 WAC, Shoreline Management Act Rules Update | The Department of Ecology is conducting rulemaking to amend Chapters 173-18, -20, -22, -26, and -27 under the Shoreline Management Act. These Chapters contain Ecology’s rules that carry out the provisions of the Shoreline Management Act. This includes the guidelines for local governments developing, amending, and administering shoreline master programs (SMPs) and standards for SMP administration, permitting, and enforcement. During this rulemaking, we will amend each of these WACs to ensure that our rules are current, reflect changes to the Shoreline Management Act, and clearly and efficiently guide local governments in upholding the goals of the Act. The scope of this rulemaking will be refined through the public engagement process but will include sea level rise. Some of the other topics we are considering may include shoreline stabilization, critical area protections, channel migration zones, mooring buoys, and more. Ecology is amending Chapter 173-26 and 173-27 WAC to: • Comply with the Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW) and address issues that have we have identified through the review, adoption, and implementation of SMPs. These revisions will provide clarity around SMP approval/amendment procedures and permit and enforcement procedures. Additional amendments may be included for clarity. • Add requirements for local governments to address the impact of sea level rise and increased storm severity on people, property, and shoreline natural resources and the environment. Ecology is also amending Chapters 173-18 and -20 WAC, to update the list of streams, rivers, and lakes in completed SMP updates and amending Chapter 173-22 WAC to clarify designations of shorelands and wetlands associated with shorelines of the state. This rulemaking will be statewide. However, the specific requirement to address the impact of sea level rise and increased storm severity will apply only to jurisdictions with marine shorelines. | For this rulemaking, Ecology will develop and follow a communication plan for public outreach, including a dedicated focus on connecting with people from overburdened communities and vulnerable populations. For the environmental justice assessment, we plan to connect through multiple methods, such as virtual meetings and listening sessions, which will take place in 2024 and 2025. There will also be additional opportunities for people to connect during the rulemaking public comment period and public hearings. To learn more about the rulemaking process and opportunities to get involved, visit our website, which will be updated with more information. You can also join our email list, which is also on our webpage. |
Ongoing |
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| 07/19/2024 | 04/23/2024 | Ongoing | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Amending the Apple Maggot Quarantine Boundary in chapter 16-470 WAC. | As a result of a petition for rule making, the department is considering expanding the apple maggot quarantine area in Okanogan County. | Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. |
Ongoing |
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| 07/19/2024 | 04/17/2024 | Ongoing | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Amending chapter 16-752 WAC, by adding species to the prohibited plants list. | Adds additional species to the noxious weed seed and plant quarantine, which would prohibit their sale and distribution. | Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. |
Ongoing |
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| 04/11/2024 | 04/11/2024 | 02/19/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | 40101(d) Grid Resilience Grant Program | The EPIC Unit in the Energy Division is developing a new grant program for electric grid resilience projects across the state. This will be a competitive solicitation using funding awarded to Washington State by the Department of Energy (DOE) from DOE's 40101(d) Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grant Program. The program intends to strengthen grid resilience through funding projects that reduce the frequency, duration, and/or impact of power outages. | The methods for which public comment can be provided for state agency consideration are still being determined. In a recent EJ Assessment, a written public comment period was opened, alongside a survey and a virtual feedback session. These options will be considered for this EJA. DRAFT EJA LINKED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT |
Completed Washington’s 40101(d) Grid Resilience Funding |
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| 04/11/2024 | 04/11/2024 | Action did not move forward | Ecology, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Cap-and-Invest Linkage Rulemaking (Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC) | As required by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), Ecology is investigating the option of linking Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program carbon market with the California-Québec carbon market. In a linked Cap-and-Invest Program, Washington’s carbon market would combine with the joint California-Québec market to create a single shared market with joint allowance auctions and a common allowance price across all jurisdictions. Allowances could be traded across jurisdictions and used to cover emissions in any of the three jurisdictions. As part of this effort, the Legislature passed legislation in 2024 modifying the CCA in ways that facilitate linkage (Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6058). This rulemaking is needed to modify Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC to implement these statutory changes as well as to make other changes to these rules necessary to facilitate linkage. These rule changes do not constitute linkage, nor do they require linkage or do anything that would make linkage inevitable. Additional steps would be needed, outside of the Washington rulemaking process, to establish linkage, including signing on to a linkage agreement. The Climate Commitment Act directs Ecology to consider linking Washington's Cap-and-Invest Program with other carbon markets. The law also requires Ecology to review specific criteria to ensure linkage would benefit Washington’s communities, economy, and climate goals. | Ecology is initiating this environmental justice assessment and the rulemaking process and will provide engagement opportunities that include public meetings and comment periods. Ecology plans to conduct public engagement, with outreach focused on people from overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes, for the purpose of developing the environmental justice assessment for this rule. Ecology is also available to meet with individual organizations and small groups at their request during the rulemaking process. As we schedule opportunities for feedback and participation, we will share them through our website and distribution list. Please visit the rulemaking’s webpage for updates. Please contact Nikki Harris, Climate Pollution Reduction Program Rulemaking Coordinator, at nikki.harris@ecy.wa.gov for comments or questions. |
Action did not move forward Resubmitted as a new rulemaking |
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| 04/16/2024 | 04/11/2024 | 04/25/2024 | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Accreditation of Cannabis Laboratories | The WA State Department of Agriculture is proposing a new ruleset to establish a state program for the accreditation of cannabis laboratories in accordance with the standards set forth in 16-309 WAC. The purpose of the program is to ensure that laboratory standards described in chapter 16-309 WAC are followed when testing cannabis and cannabis products in Washington State. | Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. |
Completed An Environmental Justice Assessment of the Establishment of Chapter 16-310 WAC, Accreditation of Cannabis Laboratories |
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| 05/10/2024 | 04/10/2024 | 02/26/2025 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Legal Assistance: Community Reinvestment Program | Provides outreach and education to support the vacating of criminal records and legal financial obligations relief and aims to address the needs of Black, Indigenous and Latino individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in disproportionately affected neighborhoods in Tacoma and Seattle. | Advisory Groups Community Meetings (as guest), GovDelivery, Office Hours posted on the Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project website, Email through Dept of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project Website. DRAFT EJA for PUBLIC COMMENT IS NOW OPEN. CLICK HERE: https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/file/1737472417484 |
Completed Legal Assistance: Community Reinvestment Program |
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| 05/10/2024 | 04/10/2024 | 09/06/2024 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Distribution of the Community Reinvestment Account: Violence Prevention | Provides capacity building and technical support to existing OFSVP funding programs addressing the prevention and intervention of firearm violence. | Public comment on EJA draft linked below Advisory Groups Community Meetings (as guest) GovDelivery, Office Hours posted on the Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project website, Email through Dept of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project Website. |
Completed Distribution of the Community Reinvestment Account: Violence Prevention |
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| 04/09/2024 | 04/09/2024 | 08/16/2024 | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Law Enforcement Vehicle Pursuit Technology Grant Program | New program to provide law enforcement with grants for modern vehicle pursuit management technology (for example: GPS tracking equipment, automated license plate readers, aircraft, and non-armed and non-armored drones, etc.). Grants are for local law enforcement agencies (including tribal law enforcement agencies). Proposals must include a request for specific technology and a specific plan for implementation, use, and effectiveness reporting of that technology. Local law enforcement agencies seeking grants must: 1) Establish data-sharing and management policies; and (2) Establish policies ensuring all operating personnel are trained to use the requested technology and comply with the data-sharing and management policies mentioned in item 1 above. This program is expected to reduce the danger of pursuits in communities by giving law enforcement more efficient and modern tools. More technology being implemented may track additional data that may not have been historically tracked. Following a competitive process (RFP S24-34444-001) 18 contractors were selected for SFY '24. These are listed below: Omak Police Department Monroe Police Department Benton County Sheriff's Office Marysville Police Department Kirkland Police Department Woodland Police Department Everett Police Department Reardan Police Department Lake Forest Park Police Department Puyallup Police Department Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Port Angeles Police Department in partnership with Lower Elwha Tribal Police Richland Police Department Washougal Police Department Olympia Police Department Yakima Police Department West Richland Police Department Spokane County Sheriff's Office | In process: setting up a webpage, email engagement, and working with community engagement team internally. |
Completed Law Enforcement Vehicle Pursuit Technology Grant Program |
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| 10/03/2024 | 04/01/2024 | Ongoing | Commerce, Department of | New grant or loan program | Consolidated Permit Grant | Commerce was tasked by the Legislature with implementing a new grant program to cities and counties through the provisions of RCW 36.70B.240. An appropriation of $1.5 million dollars was designated for this grant program. This grant is intended to help jurisdictions consolidate various permit approval processes for individual projects into a unified and streamlined approach. This way a new development that needs perhaps a building permit, plumbing permit, grading permit, demolition permit, etc. can make one application for the project and all approvals will be processed concurrently reducing the approval time for new development. | Public comments were taken by the Legislature during adoption of SB 5290 which was codified as RCW 36.70B.240. A public meeting was held on May 1, 2024 for prospective applicants to review grant application requirements and answer questions. |
Ongoing |
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| 07/19/2024 | 03/24/2024 | Ongoing | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Amending the commercial feed and pet food/specialty pet food rules in chapters 16-250 and 16-252 WAC. | Adopts the latest version of the Association of American Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication (OP), clarifying areas of the rule regarding livestock feed and including additional categories of product types that were previously absent. | Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. |
Ongoing |
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| 05/21/2024 | 03/22/2024 | 06/25/2024 | Agriculture, Department of | Significant legislative rules | WSDA Grain Inspection Program’s Rulemaking for Chapter 16-240 WAC: Definitions, Standards, and Fees | WSDA is proposing to amend Chapter 16-240 WAC by increasing some of the Grain Inspection Program fees, revising some of the fee structures to more accurately reflect the scope of services provided (including but not limited to adding fees for services that are not specifically identified) and to clarify language to ease in the understanding of the rule. | Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. |
Completed An Environmental Justice Assessment Of the Rulemaking for Chapter 16-240 WAC, WSDA Grain Inspection Program - Definitions, Stand |
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| 03/19/2024 | 03/19/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Significant legislative rules | Chapter 173-905 WAC - Battery Stewardship Program | The purpose of this rulemaking effort is to implement new program requirements established under chapter 70A.555 RCW Batteries—Environmental Stewardship, which was passed by the state legislature in April 2023. The new law creates an extended producer responsibility program for recycling most types of batteries. Beginning January 1, 2027, battery producers are required to pay into a program that establishes a statewide network of battery collection sites that will provide opportunities for people to drop off batteries at no cost. These collection sites are to be accessible and convenient to overburdened communities identified by the department. This program will increase opportunities for battery recycling throughout the state and will improve consistency of existing battery recycling programs in Washington. Ecology intends to provide battery stewardship organizations regulatory clarity so that the program is implemented equitably across Washington. | Ecology will develop and follow a formal communication plan focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in Washington. The department recognizes that all residents of Washington State, regardless of socio-economic factors, should have a say in the rules and regulations that affect them. Ecology will allow for all communities and individuals to provide valuable insights, feedback, and ideas regarding implementation of the law but will focus engagement efforts particularly on identified overburdened communities. Once Ecology has identified an overburdened community or vulnerable population, staff will connect with existing community groups wherever possible to utilize connections already established within that community. Staff also plan to use varied communications channels including virtual meetings, public hearings, and other targeted education and outreach to inform communities about the issues and impacts of the Battery Stewardship Program. Ecology will accept public comments during a formal comment period and multiple public hearings, the details of which will be shared on the rulemaking website and distributed to the email list for the rule in mid-2025. |
Ongoing |
