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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 completedsort descending Agency Type Agency action Description Methods for providing public comment Status
02/08/2024 10/02/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million SR 525 Mukilteo Bridge over Railroad – Bridge Replacement The existing SR 525 bridge overcrossing the railroad in the city of Mukilteo is functionally obsolete and does not meet the multimodal traffic and active transportation needs for accessing the new ferry terminal. The intended Significant Agency Action includes constructing a new bridge and updating channelization of the roadway to improve bridge integrity, roadway continuity, and roadway capacity. Online open house, listening sessions, workshops Ongoing
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
12/05/2023 12/05/2023 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Changing the incentive structure for tier 1 buildings This proposed Agency Request Legislation would change the authorizing language for the Clean Buildings Early Adopter Incentive Program. This incentive program, authorized in 2019, offers $75M in incentives to Tier 1 buildings owners who bring their buildings into compliance. This ARL would remove the 85 cent cap per square foot and allow Commerce to have more flexibility in establishing an appropriate incentive. This would allow Commerce to offer an incentive greater than 85 cents per square foot and offer enhanced incentives for buildings which meet a number of important criteria (ex. The building meets an equity criteria). This represents a small change in the authorizing language for the program, which has now been active for four years. Public comment will be accepted at buildings@commerce.wa.gov Ongoing
06/24/2025 06/19/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Update Homeless Program Statutes Amend RCW 43.185C to modernize and streamline the statute. The key changes include: - Replacing outdated terminology to ensure language reflects current understanding and values around homelessness and equity. - Aligning timelines for the State Homeless Housing Strategic Plan and the Annual Report to reduce redundancy and improve strategic coherence. - Removing obsolete statutory requirements that are no longer operational or relevant to current systems or funding streams Surveys, web-based comments form Ongoing
12/30/2024 12/30/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million Award for Chinook Marsh Restoration The purpose of this action is to provide $16.7 million to Snohomish County to implement the Chinook Marsh restoration project, which will complete a tidal reconnection project in the Snohomish River estuary. This award is part of the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC), for which the Washington Department of Ecology was awarded $73.5 million dollars to pass through in order to advance a portfolio of collaboratively developed climate resilience projects. The Department of Ecology collaborated with over 30 local jurisdictions, Tribal governments, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to select and co-develop projects to improve resilience and enhance the climate adaptation capacity of local communities, prioritizing those that have been marginalized, underserved, and/or underrepresented. 81.3% of the Washington CRRC award funds (just under $61 million) will go towards projects located in or co-created with frontline communities and Tribes. $18.7 million will go toward projects located in disadvantaged communities (as identified by the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool) while $41.7 million will go to projects implemented in partnership and in co-creation with Tribes. As one of the subawardees in this portfolio, Snohomish County will complete a tidal reconnection project in the Snohomish River estuary by breaching the existing levee system and constructing a setback levee. Funds will be used to secure contract services through a bid process to implement all required construction tasks according to the restoration designs currently under development. This work is necessary to provide natural resiliency to climate change exacerbated floods, storms, and sea level rise. Washington Department of Ecology collaborated with Snohomish County in the planning for this project. This project was designed within the community and collaboratively with local stakeholders and partners. The project is located in a community identified as overburdened, and community members and Tribes helped co-develop the project and have ongoing opportunities to provide comments. The funds that are to be subgranted to Snohomish County are for the construction phase of this project. Snohomish County is currently in the conceptual design phase, with preliminary design anticipated by 2025 and final design anticipated by 2026. Snohomish County is currently collaborating with project partners and conducting outreach. They expect to make the preliminary project design available for review in spring 2025 and will incorporate comments and concerns into the final design. Opportunities for comment can be found on Snohomish County’s Chinook Marsh project page. Tribal partners are integrally involved with this project, and information sharing with other Tribal nations will be conducted by Snohomish County and NOAA. Additionally, the NOAA Office of Coastal Management will consult with potentially interested Tribes as part of the Federal Section 106 compliance process. Collaboration with and comment from the communities and tribes effected by this project will continue to inform the planning and design of this work. Snohomish County will report the result of their meetings, outreach and coordination to the Department of Ecology throughout the project period. Snohomish County and Ecology are open to and will continue respond to comments received via email regarding environmental justice, overburdened communities, or vulnerable populations impacted by the project and seek further involvement to address concerns. Ecology will do additional outreach with overburdened communities as needed to address Environmental Justice concerns. If you have comments on the Environmental Justice impacts or considerations for this project, you can reach out to the Ecology Project Manager, Julia, at jseb461@ecy.wa.gov. Ongoing
03/13/2025 03/11/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Paper to Digital Grant Commerce was tasked with implement the provisions of RCW 36.70B.241. The Legislature allocated $1.5 million for this purpose. Approximately $330,000 was available in unused funds to supplement this grant. This grant is intended to facilitate the conversion of city and county permit systems from paper based to fully digital systems. For example, some jurisdictions currently require paper applications with physical blueprints and internal paper routing and filing systems. These grants will help jurisdictions move to digital intake and processing allowing for remote applications and corrections and well as streamlined internal approval. This will help reduce the amount of time needed to approve permits and facilitate new residential construction. Submit to allan.johnson@commerce.wa.gov Ongoing
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
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
07/01/2025 07/01/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection Proposing a change to RCW 42.56 Public Records Act which would exclude critical energy infrastructure information from public disclosure. This would encourage energy providers such as electric utilities to report physical and cybersecurity threats and damage with the Energy Resilience & Emergency Management Office, State Fusion Center, and other relevant agencies for coordination on response and restoration activities. Advisory Groups, Email Comments, Focus Groups, Stakeholder Interviews Ongoing
05/07/2025 04/01/2025 Ongoing Health, Department of New grant or loan program Safe Drinking Water Initiative The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is conducting an Environmental Justice Assessment on the Safe Drinking Water Initiative. The Washington State Legislature provided funding in the 2023-2025 biennium to extend outreach and provide education and groundwater testing for nitrate in the Lower Yakima Valley Ground Water Management Area (LYV-GWMA) in Yakima County. For questions about this environmental justice assessment and current and future opportunities for engagement, please contact Anchee Nitschke Durben at anchee.nitschkedurben@doh.wa.gov Ongoing
11/20/2024 11/20/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Chapter 173-423 WAC, Clean Vehicles Program Rulemaking Ecology is considering amendments to Chapter 173-423 WAC, the Clean Vehicles Program rule. Washington law (RCW 70A.30.010) requires Ecology to adopt certain California regulations to maintain consistency with California’s emissions standards for new motor vehicles and engines. To date, Ecology has delivered on this Legislative requirement to adopt regulations consistent with the following California programs: Advanced Clean Cars, Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus standards. Ecology is currently considering amendments to Washington regulations that will track amendments to California’s Advanced Clean Trucks and Heavy-Duty Low-NOx Omnibus regulations currently adopted and/or under consideration by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These amendments are important to streamline program implementation, provide additional compliance flexibility, and maintain consistency with other states and the federal government. The Advanced Clean Trucks regulations apply to medium- and heavy-duty engine and vehicle manufacturers and require zero-emission models to make up an increasing percentage of new vehicle sales in Washington, starting with engine model year 2025. The Heavy-Duty Low-NOx omnibus regulation applies to heavy-duty internal combustion engine manufacturers and requires them to meet more protective air quality standards, particularly on oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter, starting in model year 2026. Ecology is also inviting public input about additional California motor vehicle emissions standards the agency should consider adopting in a future rulemaking to comply with the requirements in Chapter 70A.30 RCW and efficiently and cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in line with Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandates in RCW 70A.45.020. Ecology is initiating this environmental justice assessment and the rulemaking process and will provide engagement opportunities that include public meetings and comment periods. Ecology will host an initial public information session on December 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM-Noon. As we schedule additional opportunities for feedback and participation, we will share them through our website and distribution list. Please visit the rulemaking webpage or sign up for email updates here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAECY/subscriber/new?topic_id=WA.... Please contact Nikki Harris at nikki.harris@ecy.wa.gov for comments or questions. Ongoing
05/29/2025 11/15/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million Seattle Ferry Terminal Electrification Project Install subterranean and submarine power cable from Seattle City Light vault 5 at Pier 48 to Colman Dock slips 1 and 3. Complete construction of the trestle SW corner, install shoreside battery energy storage system and vessel charging system. WSFelectrification@WSDOT.WA.GOV Ongoing
12/03/2024 11/28/2023 Ongoing Health, Department of New grant or loan program School Climate Plus Indoor Air Quality Grant Program The Department of Health (DOH) received 2023-2025 legislative funding through ESSB 5187 to supplement the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)’s Small School District Modernization (SSDM) grant program. The SSDM program includes support for updates to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in schools. The grant program is available to school districts that received SSDM 2021-2023 or 2023-2025 funding for HVAC improvements and that serve children and young people who are more vulnerable to extreme heat and wildfire smoke exposure. Email comments to airquality@doh.wa.gov Ongoing
02/06/2025 02/06/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Rulemaking: Chapters 173-425, 173-430, and 173-400 WAC, Flame Cap Kilns and Air Curtain Incinerators This rulemaking will consider two amendments to the existing rule. First, it will explore adding the definition of “flame cap kilns” and “silvicultural burning” in rule to align with amendments made to RCW by Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 6121. Adding the definitions will not change the existing laws on what, where, and when burning is legal. Second, this rulemaking will address the air curtain incinerator permitting process. Current technology for air curtain incinerators makes it difficult to meet some emission limits, and therefore permit applications for ACIs require additional consideration and information. This requires additional work by the applicant and Ecology and additional time needed to issue the necessary permit. With proper siting criteria and operation standards, ACIs may still be more beneficial to air quality than open burning. This will also not change the existing laws related to burning. The area(s) most likely to be impacted if there is an increase in emissions are those where burning takes place frequently, such as the central and eastern regions of the state. In addition to the two potential amendments mentioned above, this rulemaking may also consider other amendments to these chapters to clarify language and improve regulatory requirements for air quality. Ecology plans to conduct engagement focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations for the purpose of the environmental justice assessment of this rulemaking. Engagement is anticipated to begin in Fall 2025. Public meetings will be held (virtually, in person, or both depending on the need), during which time we will open the floor for Q&A and informal comments from the public. Ecology welcomes oral comments during public hearings(s), electronically submitted comments, comments submitted by mail related to the Environmental Justice Assessment for this rulemaking. More information will be provided on our webpage as the rulemaking further develops. Ongoing
02/08/2024 07/27/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million I-90 Judkins Park Station – Reconnecting Communities The goal of the I-90/Judkins Park Station – Reconnecting Communities Study is to recommend changes to the WSDOT I-90 ramps at Rainier Avenue South to improve the safe travel of all modes, especially safe access to the JPS Link station via transit transfer, walk and roll. Online open house, listening sessions, workshops Ongoing
12/08/2023 12/08/2023 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Safer Products for Washington Cycle 1.5 Rulemaking The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is starting a rulemaking to revise the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule—Chapter 173-337 WAC—aiming to reduce PFAS in consumer products. Ecology plans to conduct this rulemaking to: • Reduce the use of priority chemicals in priority consumer products. • Revise Chapter 173-337 WAC in accordance with the regulatory actions outlined in the Regulatory Determinations Report to the Legislature that Ecology will submit by June 1, 2024. Under the authority of Chapter 70A.350 RCW, Ecology may restrict the manufacture, sale, and distribution of a chemical in a product, or require manufacturers to report the use of a chemical in a product. In this rulemaking, Ecology may create reporting requirements or restrictions that apply to the use of PFAS in product categories such as: • Apparel and gear. o Apparel examples include athleticwear, rainwear, school uniforms, clothing for everyday use, undergarments (reusable baby diapers and period underwear), hats, scarves, gloves, shoes, outerwear for mountaineering, outerwear for whitewater kayaking, and commercial fishing bibs for offshore fishing. o Gear examples include backpacks, sleeping bags, umbrellas, camping furniture, and climbing rope. • Cleaning products, including products to wash automobiles and boats. • Cookware and kitchen supplies. o Examples include frying pans, cooking pots, rice cookers, waffle makers, griddles, bakeware, and reusable baking liners. • Firefighting PPE (personal protective equipment). • Hard surface sealants. o Examples include sealants applied to hard porous surfaces like stone, unglazed tile, concrete, and wood. They can be used for interior and exterior applications. • Waxes and polishes, including products for floors, automobiles, skis, and snowboards. PFAS are a group of toxic chemicals that are very persistent in the environment. Most people living in the United States have PFAS in their blood. People are exposed through food, drinking water, and products with PFAS. As products are created, used, and disposed, exposure can occur: • Directly from items such as apparel, cleaning products, and cookware. • Indirectly from the environment—through the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat. Ecology plans to develop rules that could: • Reduce the use of PFAS in products by restricting PFAS when Ecology identifies safer, feasible, and available alternatives. This will help: o Reduce consumers’ and workers’ exposure to PFAS. o Reduce the amount of PFAS entering the environment. • Increase product ingredient transparency. Get involved in this rulemaking by: • Sharing feedback on the Cycle 1.5 Draft Regulatory Determinations Report. The comment period is open now and closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on January 12, 2024. • Signing up for email announcements. • Attending webinars. Our next webinars will occur on December 13 and 14, 2023. See our interested parties webpage for more information. • Contacting Stacey Callaway at stacey.callaway@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. • Sharing a preliminary draft rule, providing a public comment period, and hosting webinars in the fall of 2024. • Proposing a formal draft rule, providing a public comment period, and hosting hearings, in the summer of 2025. • Adopting the revised rule by December 1, 2025. Ongoing
09/13/2023 08/31/2023 Action did not move forward Ecology, Department of Agency-request legislation Dredge-and-fill permit program Ecology is proposing legislation that would direct the agency to establish a permit program and grant authorization to consider a fee for a “dredge-and-fill” permit that is being developed in response to the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency The public may comment at any time by visiting the agency webpage below. The Department will also host two public listening sessions on this agency request legislation on October 5, 2023, at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm. More information on the listening session is located on the agency webpage. Action did not move forward
Ecology did not ultimately pursue this legislation.
06/24/2025 06/19/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Affordable Housing Property Tax Excemption Legislation to exempt affordable housing units (those affordable to households at 60% of the Area Median Income or lower) from property taxes. This would include a simple, fair calculation to help exempt units in buildings that have mixed affordability limits. Advisory groups, web-based comments, surveys Ongoing
12/30/2024 12/30/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million Award for Washington State Coastal Climate Resilience Initiative – Washington State Department of Transportation North Olympic Peninsula – State Route 112 Highway Resilience The purpose of this action is to provide $24.8 million to Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to implement the State Route 112 (SR 112) resiliency project. This award is part of the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC), for which the Washington Department of Ecology was awarded $73.5 million dollars to pass through in order to advance a portfolio of collaboratively developed climate resilience projects. The Department of Ecology collaborated with over 30 local jurisdictions, Tribal governments, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to select and co-develop projects to improve resilience and enhance the climate adaptation capacity of local communities, prioritizing those that have been marginalized, underserved, and/or underrepresented. 81.3% of the Washington CRRC award funds (just under $61 million) will go towards projects located in or co-created with frontline communities and Tribes. $18.7 million will go toward projects located in disadvantaged communities (as identified by the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool) while $41.7 million will go to projects implemented in partnership and in co-creation with Tribes.   As one of the projects in this portfolio, WSDOT will implement design, permitting, and construction of a suite of high priority projects on the critical transportation route State Route (SR) 112, which provides primary access for communities on the North Olympic Peninsula. Natural hazards like flooding and landslides, which will be exacerbated by climate change, impact and/or partially close the highway most winters, disrupting the only public road access for the Makah Tribe and remote communities in the region. This highway is a priority for WSDOT and is considered one of the most problematic travel corridors in the state. The bulk of funds will directly address climate hazards through the implementation of nature-based shoreline stabilization and raising the highway grade in high priority areas from MP 0-17. This project has been co-created with the Makah Tribe.  WSDOT has also budgeted significant funds towards planning detour routes for this stretch of highway to ensure the Makah Tribe maintains access to critical and emergency services during SR 112 closures. Funds will also be allocated to a Pysht River Valley Corridor Realignment and Predesign Study to address flooding and erosion from MP 24-29; and New Alignment Studies at the Hoko River Crossing at MP 12, MP 32 at Jim Creek, MP 36, and Sumas Pass. Together, these projects will comprehensively address hazards in priority areas for the Makah Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Clallam County, and the surrounding community. Washington Department of Ecology has collaborated with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in the planning for this project. Outreach and public comment was and will be led by WSDOT in their role as the grant recipient and project lead. The project is located in a community identified as overburdened, and community members and Tribes helped co-develop the project and have ongoing opportunities to provide comments. WSDOT has held community meetings, stakeholder engagement and public comment on their designs for these projects on SR112. WSDOT has and will continue to collaborate with the Makah Tribe in the planning and design of this project in order to address critical coastal erosion concerns that threaten rural areas and support the planning work that will improve the resilience of Tribal lands and cultural resources while supporting future resilience actions, and support Tribal sovereignty in this climate adaptation planning and implementation. These projects were designed within Tribal communities and collaboratively with local stakeholders and tribes. Collaboration with and comment from the communities and Tribes affected by this project will continue to inform the planning and design of the SR 112 construction work. Tribal partners are integrally involved with this project, and information sharing with other Tribal nations will be conducted by WSDOT and NOAA. Additionally, the NOAA Office of Coastal Management will consult with potentially interested Tribes as part of the Federal Section 106 compliance process. WSDOT will report the result of their meetings, outreach and coordination to the Department of Ecology throughout the project period. WSDOT and Ecology are open to and will continue respond to comments received via email regarding environmental justice, overburdened communities, and vulnerable populations impacted by the project and seek further involvement to address concerns. Ecology will do additional outreach with overburdened communities as needed to address environmental justice concerns. If you have comments on the environmental justice impacts or considerations for this project, you can reach out to the Ecology Project Manager, Julia, at jseb461@ecy.wa.gov. Ongoing
03/27/2025 03/27/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Develop and adopt Tribal Electric Boats Program Commerce and tribal leaders are developing the Tribal Electric Boats Program (TEBP) to fund the purchase of new electric boats as well as electrification and hybridization projects. Eligible applicants are tribal governments, tribal enterprises, and tribal citizens with tribal government support. The intent of the proviso is to decarbonize tribal marine vessels for fishing and related purposes (enforcement, patrol, research, etc.). Email comments; GovDelivery emails; Stakeholder Interviews; Web-based comment form; Other Ongoing
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
07/02/2025 07/02/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Small Business Training and Education Center This request covers three programs which in the past have either 1) been successfully piloted, 2) have a track record of success but inconsistent funding, or 3) have been built using other revenue streams that will dry up in the 2025-27 biennium. A final request describes an asset mapping exercise to identify all small business training and education activities at the local, state and federal level to identify gaps, reduce redundancies and build a more cohesive training and education system that is intuitive for small businesses to use. Access to accurate, vetted business education and training is a historical barrier to those in underrepresented and underserved communities. For instance, while 90% of small businesses make it through their first year or two, 80% of black-owned businesses fail. The survival rate of any small business is 50% at year five, in part because owners don’t have the expertise and education to address the most common barriers to success – lack of capital or customers, poor location, incorrect pricing strategies, or lack of focus on core competencies. The Washington State Small Business Training & Education Center is a trusted site that provides free access to education, training, tutorials, webinars and academies developed by, and in many cases taught by, small business owners. This budget request will continue to provide stability to this vital resource where one’s bank account or first language aren’t barriers. Any individual can access the site and tap into its knowledge base. No registration is required. Mystartup365.com provides a business owner with all the training they need, from concept through exit strategy. In between they can learn how to master financials, improve decision-making, build a business plan, secure funding and reach new customers and markets. They can do this in any one of 58 languages from the comfort of their office or home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Email comments Stakeholder interviews Ongoing
05/29/2025 11/15/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal Electrification Project Install underground power cable from the Bainbridge Island Murden Cove Puget Sound Energy (PSE) substation approximately 2.5 miles within State Route (SR) 305 right of way to metering and distribution equipment at the holding lanes, and then to a vessel charging system at terminal trestle slip 1. WSFelectrification@WSDOT.WA.GOV Ongoing
12/03/2024 09/04/2023 Ongoing Health, Department of New grant or loan program Alternative Drinking Water Program The DOH is conducting an Environmental Justice Assessment on the Alternative Drinking Water Program (ADWP). This program was created with 2023-2025 funding provided through ESSB 5187. The goal of the ADWP is to assist with access to safe drinking water if private wells or Group B water supplies are impacted by contamination. Group B systems serve fewer than 15 residential connections and less than 25 people per day. • Keep up to date through the website https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/drinking-water/water-system... • Sign up for electronic notices at odw-adwp@doh.wa.gov • For questions about the ADWP or the EJ Assessment, contact us at odw-adwp@doh.wa.gov Ongoing
02/07/2025 02/07/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million Water Quality Program Proposed Loan Offer to the City of Seattle This significant agency action would provide $28.6 million in loan funding to Seattle Public Utilities to construct a new pump station. The pump station is part of the larger Ship Canal Water Quality Project, and it would transport sewage and rain runoff to the West Point Treatment Plant. This project would significantly reduce the volume of sewage and rain runoff that overflow into the Lake Washington Ship Canal by removing seven outfalls. Removal of these outfalls will improve water quality, public health, and the health of the aquatic ecosystem. This project is in a densely populated area of Northwest Seattle and affects the waters of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which connects Lake Union and Salmon Bay with Shilshole Bay of the Puget Sound. This waterway is a critical habitat for salmon, including the ESA listed Chinook salmon, as well as coho, sockeye, chum, steelhead, and southern resident killer whales. In addition to their ecological role, salmon are deeply tied to the cultural identity of the region. Tribes have long emphasized the importance of the Salish Sea, salmon and their habitat; this action supports Washington’s Treaty obligations to protect this cultural and natural resource. By reducing sewage and stormwater overflows, this project will improve water quality, creating a healthier environment to reduce impacts to local Tribes and communities, while also protecting resources with cultural and ecological significance. The public can submit feedback about the Water Quality Program's State Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Offer List, which includes this loan action, during the public comment period from 12 a.m. on Feb. 5, 2025 to 11:59 p.m. on March 7, 2025. Ecology also invites the public to attend a public meeting regarding the proposed funding on Feb. 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. To submit comments or register for the meeting, visit the Water Quality grants and loans webpage. Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage with overburdened communities who may be impacted by this action and provide methods for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov to stay informed of further involvement opportunities. Grants and loans webpage: https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-gran... Ongoing
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
03/04/2024 07/01/2023 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Transit Oriented Development of Affordable Housing - Match Program Competitively awarded funding, managed by Commerce's Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU), for Transit Oriented Affordable Housing development. The language of the budget (ESSB 5200, Section 1022) laid out very specific parameters regarding both size and location of projects. As written, projects must be no smaller than 100 units in size, and must be located within 1/2 mile of light or commuter rail, or within 1/4 mile of bus rapid transit. this creates a very limited area in which projects can be sited (principally along the I-5 or I-405 corridors in King County), and effectively requires a high level of development experience from any interested organization, or partnership with a consultant that brings such experience. An SAA was published to Commerce's webpage on 9/13/2023, and a public forum was held via Zoom in October of 2023. while the public forum's primary concern was to confirm Commerce's understanding of the budget language and articulate its plans for implementation, space was held for discussion concerning Environmental Justice considerations. MHU is working with Commerce's internal Environmental Justice workgroup to explore additional pathways to involve communities. Ongoing
12/18/2023 12/18/2023 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Clean Fuels Program Rulemaking (Amendments to 173-424 WAC) Ecology is considering amendments to Chapter 173-424 WAC, Clean Fuels Program Rule. The rule aims to reduce the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions per unit energy, or carbon intensity (CI), of transportation fuels used in Washington. This rulemaking is to align the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) with Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5447 (ESSB 5447), which was signed into law on May 3, 2023. The law promotes the production and use of low-carbon alternative jet fuels, which are more commonly referred to as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), in Washington. Ecology’s rulemaking will comply with ESSB 5447 by updating the date at which SAF pathway applications can be submitted for CFS credit generation. SAF reduces emissions from aviation, which has been identified as one of the most difficult transportation sectors to decarbonize. Lowering aviation emissions will also improve air quality and reduce health burdens on people living near airports and airport workers. Additionally, the rulemaking may consider the following changes to strengthen/streamline the CFS program: • Establishing requirements for a third-party verification program for fuel pathways and data reports submitted by program participants. • Establishing standards to encourage the production of low carbon intensity sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production. • Amending/refining the compliance and enforcement process for the CFS program. • Updating the rule language to improve clarity and readability, align the rule with guidance documents, correct errors, and make miscellaneous improvements to program implementation. • Updating book-and-claim accounting requirements for electricity and biomethane. • Harmonizing the rule with Oregon and/or California low carbon or clean fuel program requirements. Ecology is not considering amending the other main components of the program, including annual carbon intensity standards, the Tier 2 WA-GREET model, and land use change factors. Ecology plans to conduct engagement, focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, for the purpose of the environmental justice assessment of this rule. Engagement will begin in early 2024 and will include virtual public meetings, comment periods, and other targeted outreach, details of which will be shared on our rulemaking website and email distribution list. Please contact Adam Saul at adam.saul@ecy.wa.gov with any comments or questions. Ongoing
06/24/2025 06/19/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Clarifying Exemption for emergency shelter in RTLA Amend RCW 59.18.040 to include emergency shelters (including non-congregate emergency shelter) from the exempted living arrangements of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act Advisory groups, web-based comment form, surveys Ongoing
06/24/2025 06/19/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Residential Weatherization RCW Update RCW 70A.35 (Low-Income Residential Weatherization Program) is outdated and restrictive. As of 2016, the state weatherization program is no longer a matchmaker program, where state funds are matched dollar-for-dollar based on utility contributions. The state weatherization program is now Weatherization Plus Health, which is funded out of the capital budget. The state and utilities now fund weatherization separately via local agencies (Community Action Partnership agencies, municipalities, tribes). Currently, the state weatherization program can only serve projects that involve whole-home weatherization and is limited to serving low-income households. Updating this policy and increasing its flexibility support Commerce and the ED’s goals to serve more overburdened communities (from a community approach) with less friction and more efficiencies. We first recommend updating the outdated matchmaker program language to the current Residential Weatherization program language. This will increase compliance as the RCW has not been updated in years, and the program has evolved significantly. Low-income verification is required for local agencies to use federal dollars. Local agencies typically use federal and state dollars together on projects. As such, we recommend maintaining this low-income verification process, but also recommend adding categorical eligibility (e.g., OFM Overburdened Communities Map). Additionally, we propose allowing both partial (some measures) and whole-home weatherization (all cost-effective measures that apply). This will allow us to serve more communities (e.g., weatherizing homes in an at-risk neighborhood with scalable measures and without having to income qualify all residents). This also may make it easier for agencies to work with utilities and the state, as if the state reduces barriers, the utilities will likely follow suit. These updates will benefit Washington residents, weatherization providers (local agencies), utilities, other state agencies, and other Commerce programs. With new staff across Commerce, the current federal and state landscape, increased state investment in weatherization, and the fact that this policy has been outdated for many years, it is pertinent to accurately reflect this legacy program to grow it. As we encounter new programs and pilots from other state agencies, utilities, and Commerce, and increased community need, there is a greater opportunity to run new, more flexible, innovative, and scalable weatherization programs. Advisory Groups Ongoing
01/14/2025 01/14/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Green Jobs Infrastructure Grants Grants to projects that demonstrate high-wage, clean job creation in Washington, provide risk reduction for investments in public and private infrastructure in order to increase a community's capacity for clean manufacturing, or provide investments in workforce development to attract and train the workforce required to grow the clean energy economy Public comments period on the draft EJA has opened. Hosting of public Q / A Email Gov delivery WEBS notification Community Networking Ongoing
03/31/2025 03/31/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Cap-and-Invest Program Updates and Linkage Rulemaking (Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC) Last year, the Washington Department of Ecology initiated a rulemaking process to consider amendments to Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC that would facilitate the option of linking Washington’s carbon market with the California-Québec carbon market. We are announcing a new rulemaking today that replaces the previous rulemaking and expands the scope to include other necessary updates to the Cap-and-Invest program rules. In this new rulemaking, as required by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) RCW 70A.65, the Department of Ecology is still exploring the option of linking Washington’s Cap-and-Invest carbon market with the California-Québec carbon market. This linkage would create a unified carbon market across the three jurisdictions so allowances issued by California and Québec could be used by Washington businesses for compliance, and vice versa. Linkage would also allow for joint allowance auctions, a common allowance price, and the free trading of allowances between jurisdictions. This rulemaking is needed to update Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC in line with these legislative changes and make other updates to ensure the rules are consistent with a potential linked market. The rule changes will not in themselves automatically establish linkage but will set the stage for future actions, such as signing a formal linkage agreement. Additionally, The Climate Commitment Act Program Rule requires the adoption of allowance budgets for the second compliance period (2027–2030), ensuring that emissions reductions align with Washington's 2030, 2040, and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions limits. This rule will also add one additional sector —waste to energy—to coverage under cap-and-invest as required by statute. Pursuant to the Climate Commitment Act Program Rule, Ecology will also modify and adopt rules to continue to address topics associated with imported electricity and centralized electricity markets. Ecology will consider rules relevant to allowance allocation to electric utilities. Through this rulemaking, Ecology will make updates as necessary to improve implementation of the Cap-and-Invest Program and to ensure the rule aligns with statute. 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 and vulnerable populations for the purpose of developing the environmental justice assessment for this rule. Ecology will also hold Tribal forums and invite government-to-government consultation with Tribes. Ecology conducted engagement for the Linkage rulemaking and the comments gathered during that process will also be used to inform this Environmental Justice Assessment. Ecology is also available to meet with individual organizations and 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 Surabhi Subedi, Climate Pollution Reduction Program Rulemaking Planner, at CPRRulemaking@ecy.wa.gov Ongoing
10/10/2024 10/10/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Rulemaking to add Chapter 173-448 WAC, Air Quality in Overburdened Communities Ecology is beginning rulemaking to add a new rule – Chapter 173-448, Air Quality in Overburdened Communities – to implement parts of Chapter 70A.65.020 RCW, Environmental justice review. This law passed in 2021 as part of the Climate Commitment Act and directs Ecology to reduce criteria air pollution in overburdened communities (OBCs) highly impacted by air pollution. The law requires Ecology to take certain actions, like adopt stricter emission standards in communities identified as overburdened and highly impacted by air pollution. The processes and details for these actions are not included in the law. As a result, this rulemaking is needed to specify the process and procedure that Ecology will follow to reduce criteria air pollution as instructed in the law. Intended environmental benefits include: • Reducing criteria air pollution will improve air quality in overburdened communities Intended health benefits include: • Reducing negative health effects associated with exposure to criteria air pollution Populations expected to be impacted • People who live, work, and spend time in overburdened communities • Businesses whose operations may be impacted Ecology plans to conduct engagement, focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations. Engagement is anticipated to begin early in 2025 and will include virtual public meetings, comment periods, and other targeted outreach, additional details of which will be shared on our rulemaking website and email distribution list. Ongoing
04/18/2024 08/28/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million SR 900/57th Ave S to S 135th – Environmental Justice Assessment Construct buffered shared-use-path; pedestrian illumination; retaining wall, ADA-compliant curb ramps, relocate signal cabinet; upgrade and relocate pedestrian push buttons to Accessible Pedestrian Signals; new traffic controls, and marked pedestrian crossings. The combination of elements will altogether reduce the level of stress for users. To be determined. Ongoing
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
01/30/2024 01/30/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program State Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program Commerce will provide grants to eligible third-party administrators to administer rebate programs for high-efficiency electric equipment and appliances, with a focus on rebate programs for low- and moderate-income households, small businesses, and adult family homes. The HEAR Program is providing grants in four tracks of funding: Local Government Programs, Tribal Electrification, Adult Family Homes, and LMI Residential Programs. A survey for households and small businesses is posted and open on the program website. Tribal listening sessions will be held in February - April 2024 time frame. When the Request for Applications is developed, Commerce will post the draft to the website for a public comment period. Draft EJA for public comments: https://deptofcommerce.box.com/s/zqxx0rhz9asrvffzpcebkou3jc7tnyr8. Ongoing
07/03/2025 07/01/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Appointment of WSBO Director The ARL seeks to change the appointing authority of the WSBO Director from the Governor to the Commerce Director. Email comments Ongoing
05/21/2024 11/08/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million I-5/NB N Lake Samish to Nooksack River - Concrete Pavement Rehab The Portland Cement Concrete Panels (PCCP) within these sections of Interstate 5 are near or have exceeded their design life. Rehabilitate the concrete pavement through the combination of several strategies such as concrete panel replacement, milling and inlaying of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) road surfaces to match the concrete pavement on tapers and ramps. TBD Ongoing
11/22/2023 11/22/2023 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Rulemaking to amend chapter 173-305 WAC Hazardous Waste Fee Regulation The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) plans to amend chapter 173-305 WAC, Hazardous Waste Fee Regulation. This rulemaking will focus on clarifying how we implement the Hazardous Waste Fee Regulation, including the Hazardous Waste Planning Fee (planning fee). We will also make updates throughout the chapter to reflect new statutory references and improve clarity. The planning fee does not clarify how we calculate the fee for an individual waste stream that designates as both dangerous waste (DW) and extremely hazardous waste (EHW). This rulemaking will clarify how we calculate the planning fee for this type of waste stream. It will also better explain how we implement chapter 173-305 WAC by making the current language concise and easier to understand. Improved clarity in this rule may help communities and individuals navigate complex administrative processes. In addition, clear and concise rules facilitate better compliance, streamline efficiency to government services, and enhance trust in the fairness of the regulations. Before we adopt the new rule, we plan to offer our stakeholders and the public at large an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process by holding a formal public comment period. For the purposes of this assessment, we plan to follow a strategic outreach plan specifically directed at engaging communities located in areas characterized as overburdened using existing data and resources. The rulemaking webpage will be updated to incorporate upcoming opportunities and methods to communicate with us before the rule is formally adopted. The public may also email us directly by sending comments to the resource mailbox, hwfeerule@ecy.wa.gov. In May 2023, we held two informational webinars during which we described the purpose of this rulemaking and asked for initial feedback on this rule amendment. Ongoing
05/29/2025 02/03/2025 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million State Route 542 Glacier Bridge Replacement Project This project will replace the State Route 542 bridge over Glacier Creek in Whatcom County, in the Community of Glacier. The new bridge will connect to the existing Gallop Creek Bridge, and together, these new structures will reduce flood risk, restore salmon habitat, and improve safety for all travelers by including active transportation connections. This project will follow a Complete Streets approach and will require an environmental justice assessment. TBD; Agency, Tribal and Community engagement will be conducted throughout the project. Specific engagement opportunities will be updated as the project advances. Find more information on the project page linked in the notice title. Ongoing
12/03/2024 12/08/2023 Ongoing Health, Department of New grant or loan program Climate Health and Adaptation Initiative Community Capacity Building Grant Program The CHAI Community Capacity Building grant program is a partnership among DOH and other state, federal, and academic entities designed to help communities address their self-identified needs in a changing climate. Applicants may apply for resources to provide community resilience planning, mental health support, local capacity building support and other needs for climate hazard resilience. Visit https://doh.wa.gov/node/17638 for more information. For questions about the CHAI Community Capacity Building Grant Program or the environmental justice assessment, please contact staff at OEPHSShared@doh.wa.gov. Ongoing
02/07/2025 02/07/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million Water Quality Program Proposed Loan Offer to King County This significant agency action would provide $28.6 million in loan funding to King County for constructing needed improvements at the West Point Treatment Plant (WPTP). The project would primarily consist of replacement pumps and improvements to the grit removal system to increase reliability and meet water quality permit requirements. The construction of these improvements will increase WPTP’s capacity to treat raw wastewater and avoid the release of untreated wastewater to Puget Sound. Untreated wastewater presents environmental and health risks to aquatic life and people, so this action supports public health and protects the quality of state waters. This project is in northwest Seattle on a saltwater beach off Elliott Bay. The plant sits within Discovery Park, a 534-acre natural area with public access to 11 miles of walking trails, picnicking, a preschool. The park receives over 250,000 visitors annually. The site is of cultural significance for Indigenous people since time immemorial and is home to the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, which describes itself as “a social service provider, community center, and cultural home for urban Indians.” The public can submit feedback about the Water Quality Program's State Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Offer List, which includes this loan action, during the public comment period from 12 a.m. on Feb. 5, 2025 to 11:59 p.m. on March 7, 2025. Ecology also invites the public to attend a public meeting regarding the proposed funding on Feb. 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. To submit comments or register for the meeting, visit the Water Quality grants and loans webpage [LINK]. Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage with overburdened communities who may be impacted by this action and provide methods for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov to stay informed of further involvement opportunities. Grants and loans webpage: https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-gran... Ongoing
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.
01/10/2024 12/04/2023 Ongoing Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Aligning general pesticide rules with federal certification and training standards Amends chapter 16-228 WAC, General Pesticide Rules, to align with SB 5330 (Chapter 186, Laws of 2023), the federal certification and training standards in 40 CFR 171 passed in 2017, and the Washington Plan for Certification of Pesticide Applicators approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in December 2022. 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
06/24/2025 06/19/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Update youth homelessness program statutes In order to ensure there is consistency with best practices in serving homeless youth and efficiency in delivering OHY programming, Commerce proposes amending the following statutes: RCW 43.63A.305 to include transitional housing as an eligible activity for the Independent Youth Housing Program and eliminate the 12% cap on administrative cost. RCW 43.185C.315 and RCW 43.185C.010 to replace the derogatory term “Street Youth” in statute and replace it with the term “unaccompanied homeless youth” which has the same functional definition. RCW 43.330.710 to clarify that OHY programs for young adults may provide services to emancipated minors who otherwise meet program eligibility criteria. The definition of HOPE Centers in RCW 74.15.020 to align with the definition of HOPE Centers outlined in RCW 43.185C.010 clarifying that youth remain for 90 days. RCW 74.15.020 to require Host Homes to notify OHY upon registering with the secretary of state. RCW 43.330.726 to clarify that eligibility for Community Support Teams services extends to youth seeking shelter, as well as the roles and responsibilities of CST convening entities when a parent, guardian, or legal custodian objects to the support or assistance of the CST; RCW 43.185C.280 and RCW 43.185C.285 to clarify that Crisis Residential Center administrators should notify parents unless a compelling reason exists not to, as defined in RCW 13.32A.082. RCW 43.330.710 to add flexible financial assistance as an allowable cost of all OHY programs where a youth or young adult may need discrete support or funding to secure safe housing and such flexible funding may be paid directly to youth OR third-party vendors, such as landlords, in order to secure safe and stable housing. RCW 43.330.702 to expand the definition of "child," "juvenile," "youth," and "minor" to include homeless young adults under age 21 who are in transitional living programs at the time they reach the age of 18 for the purposes of licensing requirements for group care facilities under 74.15 RCW and not under any other statute or for any other purpose. RCW 43.330.702 to clarify that emancipated minors are considered young adults for the purposes of eligibility for OHY programs which serve young adults. RCW 43.330.724 to reauthorize the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts Program Advisory groups, committee meetings, web-based comment form, surveys Ongoing
06/24/2025 06/19/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Increasing AMI for Rural PSH Expand RCW 36.22.250 Section 5 to include up to 50% AMI for Permanent Supportive Housing in rural areas. Advisory groups, surveys Ongoing
04/07/2025 07/01/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of New grant or loan program Electric-bicycle (E-bike) Lending Library Program The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) was directed by the legislature to create a statewide e-bike lending library grant program for various government entities and tribes who administer or plan to administer an e-bike lending library or ownership program for their employees as part of their commute trip reduction goals. The department can also grant nonprofits and tribes who serve low-income communities and people living in overburdened communities. Grantees must agree to work with University of Washington to provide research data on mode shifts and vehicle miles travelled at a minimum. The public will learn about comment opportunities through blog posts, press releases, WSDOT webpage and newsletter articles (existing Walk and Roll publication that has provided regular active transportation information since 2018) and community outreach. One to one outreach will be conducted with organizations and government entities across the state to learn what this opportunity means to them and how it could benefit their communities. Two virtual sessions are planned for potential grantees to bring their comments, suggestions and ideas on the grant process. Feedback from these will help inform the application process and program design. Additional comment or engagement opportunities will be updated as the project advances. Grant application will require grantees to conduct community engagement to guide their project design. The public will be able to provide comment throughout the project period via telephone, email, surveys, and opportunities to take part in research. Public comments for this EJA can be submitted to Adele Peers. If future funding is available for this project, the community feedback that was received will inform both the ways the public learns about comment opportunities and the methods for receiving comment. Public comments for this EJA can be submitted to Adele.peers@wsdot.wa.gov with the subject: “EJA - E-bike Lending Libraries” Ongoing
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
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
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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