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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 completed Agency Type Agency action Description Methods for providing public comment Status
08/25/2023 08/01/2023 03/04/2024 Agriculture, Department of Agency-request legislation Agricultural Pest and Disease Revolving Funds This significant agency action establishes permanent funding to prepare for, prevent, detect, contain, and eradicate identified agricultural pest and disease threats before they become established and authorizes funding for WSDA to take immediate actions to build capacity, execute rapid response, and maintain trade resiliency. Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly in communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. Completed
An Environmental Justice Assessment of the Establishment of an Agricultural Pest & Disease Revolving Fund
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
08/25/2023 08/01/2023 09/13/2023 Agriculture, Department of Agency-request legislation Private Cannabis Lab Accreditation Transition from Ecology to WSDA This significant agency action moves the authority to conduct lab accreditation of private cannabis laboratories from the Dept. of Ecology to WSDA. Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly in 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 Transferring the Authority to Accredit Cannabis Labs from ECY to WSDAs
10/14/2024 10/17/2023 Ongoing Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Amending chapter 16-303 WAC to increase seed certification fees In response to a petition for rule making submitted by the Washington State Crop Improvement Association (WSCIA), the department is considering amending WAC 16-303-340 by increasing fees to align with the current cost of providing certification services, add quinoa as a crop that is certified under this section and otherwise align with the department’s seed certification rules and fees. TBD Ongoing
04/16/2024 04/11/2024 04/25/2024 Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Accreditation of Cannabis Laboratories The WA State Department of Agriculture is proposing a new ruleset to establish a state program for the accreditation of cannabis laboratories in accordance with the standards set forth in 16-309 WAC. The purpose of the program is to ensure that laboratory standards described in chapter 16-309 WAC are followed when testing cannabis and cannabis products in Washington State. Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. Completed
An Environmental Justice Assessment of the Establishment of Chapter 16-310 WAC, Accreditation of Cannabis Laboratories
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
07/19/2024 04/23/2024 Ongoing Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Amending the Apple Maggot Quarantine Boundary in chapter 16-470 WAC. As a result of a petition for rule making, the department is considering expanding the apple maggot quarantine area in Okanogan County. Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. Ongoing
01/12/2024 01/08/2024 10/23/2024 Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Aligning electric vehicle supply equipment rules in chapter 16-662 WAC with federal technical requirements Amends chapter 16-662 WAC, Weights and Measures, to align with the Federal Highway Administration's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program's technical requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment payment methods. 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 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Amendments to Chapter 16-662 WAC
05/21/2024 03/22/2024 06/25/2024 Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules WSDA Grain Inspection Program’s Rulemaking for Chapter 16-240 WAC: Definitions, Standards, and Fees WSDA is proposing to amend Chapter 16-240 WAC by increasing some of the Grain Inspection Program fees, revising some of the fee structures to more accurately reflect the scope of services provided (including but not limited to adding fees for services that are not specifically identified) and to clarify language to ease in the understanding of the rule. Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. Completed
An Environmental Justice Assessment Of the Rulemaking for Chapter 16-240 WAC, WSDA Grain Inspection Program - Definitions, Stand
07/19/2024 03/24/2024 Ongoing Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Amending the commercial feed and pet food/specialty pet food rules in chapters 16-250 and 16-252 WAC. Adopts the latest version of the Association of American Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication (OP), clarifying areas of the rule regarding livestock feed and including additional categories of product types that were previously absent. Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. Ongoing
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
07/19/2024 06/24/2024 Ongoing Agriculture, Department of Significant legislative rules Amending the fees that support the Fruit & Vegetable Inspection Program in chapter 16-390 WAC. Increases Fruit & Vegetable Program fees and revises the fee schedule to more accurately reflect the scope of services provided, including but not limited to adding fees for services that are not specifically identified in current rule. Members of the public can direct their comments on this significant agency action to envjustice@agr.wa.gov. Community engagement, particularly for any communities identified as overburdened for this significant agency action, will also occur as part of the development of the environmental justice assessment. Ongoing
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
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
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
12/04/2023 09/19/2023 Action did not move forward Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Clarifying, updating and modifying office of homeless youth prevention and protection statutes This is Department of Commerce, Housing Division, agency request legislation related to several technical clarifications that are needed in RCWs to improve the administration of Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) grant programs. The current RCW language presents barriers to the successful implementation of OHY programs or contributes to a lack of clarity about OHY's roles and responsibilities. The requested changes originated from requests from community providers and lived experts. Community engagement on these technical fixes already took place, with the changes being developed in consultation with Office of Homeless Youth advisory groups and stakeholders. Since these are small technical fixes, we don't anticipate future concerns from stakeholders. We don't anticipate any impacts on Tribal Nations or lands. Action did not move forward
Died in Session and did not move forward
01/25/2024 01/22/2024 04/29/2024 Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program 23-25 Combined Renewable Energy Programming Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) (Energy Division) will be running a combined, single application RFA for multiple programs in January 2024, five of which are brand new programs requiring an EJA: Hard to Decarbonize Sectors Grants, Clean Energy Siting and Permitting Grants, Large Scale Solar Innovation, Dual Use Solar Pilot Grants, Solar + Storage for Community Facilities, Community Solar + Storage for Low Income Grants. This combined EJA will focus on these provisos and their respective EJ concerns. A 30 day public comment period as well as a virtual public listening session for further comment. Completed
FY 23-25 Combined Renewable Energy Programming
06/14/2024 06/14/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Other Home Rehabilitation Grant Program Department of Commerce administered the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP). In 2023 the Legislature passed substitute HB 1250, mandating Commerce to go through the rule process and convert HRLP from a loan program to a grant program. Commerce will participate in a Tribal briefing, release a Request for Information and hold virtual stakeholder input meetings. Ongoing
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
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 Hosting of public Q / A Email Gov delivery WEBS notification Community Networking Ongoing
10/10/2024 07/01/2024 Ongoing 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, 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
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)
04/11/2024 04/11/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program 40101(d) Grid Resilience Grant Program The EPIC Unit in the Energy Division is developing a new grant program for electric grid resilience projects across the state. This will be a competitive solicitation using funding awarded to Washington State by the Department of Energy (DOE) from DOE's 40101(d) Grid Resilience State/Tribal Formula Grant Program. The program intends to strengthen grid resilience through funding projects that reduce the frequency, duration, and/or impact of power outages. The methods for which public comment can be provided for state agency consideration are still being determined. In a recent EJ Assessment, a written public comment period was opened, alongside a survey and a virtual feedback session. These options will be considered for this EJA. DRAFT EJA LINKED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Ongoing
Washington’s 40101(d) Grid Resilience Funding
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
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
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
12/10/2024 12/09/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program SolarAPP+ Adoption for Local Governments This program will help city and county governments transition to automated permit processing software for clean energy projects in order to accelerate permit processing and reduce administrative burden. The software can process permit applications for residential solar, battery energy storage, and main panel upgrades, and future versions may incorporate other clean energy technologies. Email comments, GovDelivery emails, social media, survey. Ongoing
06/27/2024 05/30/2024 10/25/2024 Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Washington Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program The Washington Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program dedicates $150 million to assist low- and moderate-income households with the clean energy transition. This initiative will offer bill credits of $200 per income qualified household to eligible residential customers through their electric utility provider.The Department of Commerce will distribute grants to all utility companies in Washington, enabling them to pass on $200 bill credits to customer accounts by September 15, 2024. March - September 2024: Community Meetings (as guest) Email comments OTHER Print Media Web-based comment form A call center may be supported and furnished with Commerce's administrative funding. However, this has not yet established in contract. Completed
WA Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program
09/18/2024 09/13/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Relating to the Transportation Electrification Strategy Through the Washington Electric Vehicle Program (WAEVCP), the state makes critical investments in community-based electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Providing $105 million in the 25-27 biennial Capital budget will ensure the state can narrow gaps in charging access and keep pace with growing electric vehicle adoption. Charging investments are an essential component of the state’s strategy to limit greenhouse gas emissions as required in RCW 70A.45.020 and reach motor vehicle emission standards set in RCW 70A.30.010. This ARL also proposes maintaining current funding levels in the Operating budget for passenger vehicles and chargers to investment in strategies that more directly address EV infrastructure barriers. Advisory groups, community meetings (as guest), listening sessions (as host), stakeholder interviews Ongoing
01/16/2025 01/14/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Multifamily Building Efficiency Grants Commerce is appropriated $53,090,000 for grants and loans to affordable multifamily projects within Commerce's Housing Trust Fund Portfolio. Grants and loans may be for projects that include: benchmarking, technical assistance, energy management, renewable energy, energy efficiency upgrades, greenhouse gas emission reductions, high-efficiency electric equipment and appliances, and other decarbonization investments. Gov-delivery Web based comment form Ongoing
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
05/10/2024 04/10/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Distribution of the Community Reinvestment Account: Legal Assistance Provides outreach and education to support the vacating of criminal records and legal financial obligations relief and aims to address the needs of Black, Indigenous and Latino individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in disproportionately affected neighborhoods in Tacoma and Seattle. Advisory Groups Community Meetings (as guest), GovDelivery, Office Hours posted on the Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project website, Email through Dept of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project Website. DRAFT EJA for PUBLIC COMMENT IS NOW OPEN. CLICK HERE: https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/file/1737472417484 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
07/11/2024 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
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
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
11/20/2023 09/26/2023 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Grants to Community-Based Organizations to Support Participation in Local Planning The department shall establish funding levels for grants to 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. Commerce will send out a GovDelivery email to elicit comments via email and a web-based comment form. Ongoing
01/16/2025 01/16/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Thermal Energy Networks Pilot Program Commerce shall award grants for thermal energy network pilot projects, once those pilot projects are reviewed and referred to Commerce by the Utilities and Transportation Commission. Advisory Groups Community Meetings Stakeholder Interviews Surveys Ongoing
08/29/2024 08/29/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Cannabis Technical Fix The RCW 43.330.540 Section 1(ii) states “Cannabis licensees holding a license issued after April 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, who meet the social equity applicant criteria under RCW 69.50.335” we are expanding this to match the Bill 5080 to extend the timeline to 2032. In addition, we are expanding grantee recipients to include Research Stipends and Renewal Energy construction. The program is based on the Social Equity Task Force. This Task Force will make recommendations to promote business ownership among individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs, in order to remedy the harms resulting from the enforcement of cannabis-related laws. The Task Force will work to center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities that have been most impacted by enforcement of cannabis-related laws. Ongoing
05/10/2024 04/10/2024 09/06/2024 Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Distribution of the Community Reinvestment Account: Violence Prevention Provides capacity building and technical support to existing OFSVP funding programs addressing the prevention and intervention of firearm violence. Public comment on EJA draft linked below Advisory Groups Community Meetings (as guest) GovDelivery, Office Hours posted on the Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project website, Email through Dept of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project Website. Completed
Distribution of the Community Reinvestment Account: Violence Prevention
07/18/2024 07/18/2024 Action did not move forward 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. 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.
09/08/2023 08/31/2023 11/28/2023 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Buy Clean and Buy Fair This bill would address embodied carbon by requiring reporting on environmental and workforce impacts associated with the production of building materials used in state building construction projects. The key provisions in this bill include reporting on three categories of building materials (concrete, steel, and wood) used in covered projects, development of a database to track data, manage compliance, and promote transparency, and convening a technical work group to provide recommendations on future policy and program development. Public comments for Buy Clean and Buy Fair can be directed to seep@commerce.wa.gov. The State Efficiency and Environmental Performance Office (SEEP) will work with the Community Engagement and Tribal Relations teams at Commerce to schedule virtual and in-person outreach and engagement opportunities. Additional details on outreach strategies are included in the environmental justice assessment for Buy Clean and Buy Fair. Completed
Buy Clean and Buy Fair Legislation
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
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
01/22/2025 01/22/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program Cohort 3 The Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program Cohort 3, administered by Washington State Department of Commerce, aims to assist organizations with growing cluster operations, driving innovation in key sectors around the state, and attracting talent and capital. Commerce sponsored tribal briefing, Commerce pre-proposal conference Ongoing
05/10/2024 05/10/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Distribution of the Community Reinvestment Account: Reentry Services This new grant expands the existing Reentry Grant Program that provides reentry services to justice- involved individuals who have recently exited or are in the process of exiting incarceration. Advisory Groups Community Meetings (as guest), Focus Group, GovDelivery, Office Hours posted on the Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project website, Email through Dept of Commerce Community Reinvestment Project Website, Steering Committee. PUBLIC COMMENT WINDOW HAS OPENED FOR THIS EJA DRAFT: https://deptofcommerce.box.com/s/yqf9ci6y57otmm6uyav0949srn8waywv Ongoing
08/30/2024 08/30/2024 10/25/2024 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation ARL - Increase ADO Funding & Update Governing Statute Proposed bill addresses inequitable reporting requirements, provides equitable funding floors and ceilings, and addresses ADO match requirements that provide greater discretion to the agency to define. Open meeting, written comment, and solicitation through ADO association. Completed
ARL - Increase ADO Funding & Update Governing Statute
07/18/2024 07/18/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Reducing lead exposure through safe work practices The Lead Based Paint program at Commerce helps prevent lead exposure through certification, accreditation, enforcement, and compliance with lead-safe work practices. This agency request legislation (ARL) would update RCW 40A.420 to allow for rulemaking to set certification fees, update outdated rules, and clarify that Commerce is at least as protective as federal and state regulations. It supports efforts to reduce lead exposure in houses or child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978. Lead based paint is extremely harmful and toxic to the environment and human health. The Lead Based Paint program has notified its stakeholders of the proposed agency-request legislation and is requesting feedback via email, electronic survey, and/or virtual meeting. Ongoing
09/26/2024 07/31/2024 Ongoing Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program ​​Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program​ ​​The Energy Division was allocated funding from the state to support the development of a federal clean energy tax assistance program to provide free tax assistance and resources to eligible entities, with a focus on prioritizing community-based organizations, local governments, ports, tribes, and vulnerable populations in overburdened communities, to support the procurement of federal clean energy tax incentives.​ Email messaging, 1:1 meetings, in-person workgroups, virtual meetings/webinars, conferences Ongoing

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