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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
02/06/2024 01/01/2024 07/19/2024 Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Japanese Beetle Quarantine Expansion Amends and expands the Japanese beetle quarantine to include additional portions of Yakima and Benton Counties, as well as a portion within the city Pasco. Soil samples will be added to the list of regulated articles, and a clarification will be made that cut flowers exposed to open air environments are a regulated article. 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 2024 Japanese Beetle Quarantine Expansion
12/07/2023 08/25/2023 07/22/2024 Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Grants to Community Based Organizations to Support Participation in Local Planning The Department of Commerce shall establish a grant program for community-based organizations for the specific purpose of advancing participation of vulnerable populations and overburdened communities in the planning process during the GMA periodic update cycle. The department will send GovDelivery emails and create a web-based comment form and accept comments via email or phone. Completed
Grants to Community Based Organizations to Support Participation in Local Planning
08/02/2024 08/02/2024 07/23/2024 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Advancing Washington’s Green Electrolytic Hydrogen and Renewable Fuels 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. Please email comments to Shannon Pressler, Engagement Specialist, at shannon.pressler@commerce.wa.gov Ongoing
03/19/2024 03/19/2024 08/01/2024 Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Nonprofit and Religious Nonprofit Security Grant To provide grants to non-profit organizations including, but not limited to, religious nonprofits, "by and for" organizations, or cultural community centers, to fund the physical security or repair of such institutions. Advisory Groups, Email comments, Listening Sessions (as host), Social Media, Stakeholder Interviews and Surveys Completed
Nonprofit and Religious Nonprofit Security Grant
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
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
02/01/2024 02/01/2024 08/30/2024 Health, Department of Agency-request legislation Proposed Legislative Changes- Chapter 70.90 RCW The Washington State Department of Health (department) is conducting an Environmental Justice Assessment on potential agency legislative action for 2025. The department is considering a bill to amend chapter 70.90 RCW which regulates water recreation facilities. The proposed amendments would align state law with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards. The MAHC is based on the latest science and water recreation best practices. Proposed amendments to chapter 70.90 RCW will be posted on our webpage below and sent out via email to interested parties for their review. Comments on proposed amendments can be sent to waterrecreation@doh.wa.gov. Visit our website for more information on how to get involved. Completed
Chapter 70.90 RCW, Water Recreation Facilities EJA Report
08/15/2024 08/15/2024 09/06/2024 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Enabling Compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard 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
Enabling Compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard
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
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
07/25/2024 07/25/2024 09/23/2024 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Change to Lead Based Paint statute Change to RCW to allow for rulemaking to set certification fees and update outdated rules Email comments, Surveys Completed
Reducing Lead Exposure through Safe Work Practices - Lead Based Paint - Agency Request Legislation (ARL) N/A
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 Completed
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Stabilization - Agency Request Legislation (ARL)
09/24/2024 09/13/2024 09/23/2024 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Relating to the Transportation Electrification Strategy - EV Charging and Infrastructure Development The proposed agency request legislation (ARL) is needed to implement priority recommendations of the Transportation Electrification Strategy (TES), the state’s action plan for meeting requirements in statute for motor vehicle emission standards and reducing greenhouse gases (on-road transportation sector). This ARL is submitted in tandem with decision packages (operating and capital) to move the state’s EV work forward ​​​See Appendix B of the Transportation electrification strategy, pages 162-176 for the findings from engagement work. (found here: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy/clean-transportat...) ​See Appendix C of the TES, pages 177-180 for a summary on public comments and how changes were made to the TES based on feedback.​​ Completed
Relating to the Transportation Electrification Strategy - EV Charging and Infrastructure Development
09/24/2024 08/21/2024 09/24/2024 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation ​​Proposed agency request legislation - 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​ Completed
Tire cost reduction act - reducing the rolling resistance of motor vehicle replacement tires
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 It's ongoing
08/26/2024 03/01/2024 10/02/2024 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Establish a Clean Energy Development Office within Commerce The Clean Energy Development Office would promote and support statewide clean energy planning (i.e., identify preferred areas for clean energy development and transmission corridors); develop incentives and other mechanisms to guide clean energy development to appropriate areas (tax policy, community benefits, zoning, workforce development, etc.); support transmission planning and interconnection to the grid; and manage a dashboard to track clean energy development and progress toward meeting clean energy goals. It would also lead Build- Ready development (modeled on a NY Program) that pre-permits sites and then auctions them to developers to reduce time and risk for clean energy projects. The CEDO concept is an outgrowth of previous engagement work conducted for the Low Carbon Siting Study (2022) and an independent assessment required by HB 1216 (Beveridge & Diamond, 2024). The concept is also reflected in letters sent by a coalition of environmental organizations including TNC, Audubon and others. In addition, the concept is reflected in recommendations from the Clean Energy Siting Council, established under HB 1216, which includes representatives from the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs and the Environmental Justice Council. Additional feedback will be sought from tribes and members of overburdened communities and vulnerable populations as this concept is developed. Commerce has been reaching out directly to stakeholders and fielding public comments. Completed
Establish a Clean Energy Development Office within Commerce
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
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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