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 | |
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09/10/2024 | 09/10/2024 | Action did not move forward | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Advance Payment for Small Organizations and Tribes | Proposing a new section in Chapter 43.330 RCW that allows Commerce to provide advance payment with small organizations and tribes. Payments would be no more than 25% of contract, or three months of projected contractual expenses, whichever is smaller. Commerce shall have risk mitigation strategy to ensure clarity and efficiency of fund disbursement. This ARL benefits communities by decreasing barriers to access funding which may improve health and wellbeing. | This ARL came from communities' and tribes' input over the course of several years. Reimbursement-based funding has continued to be a barrier for smaller entities to contract with Commerce. Once the EJA is posted, public comment can be sent via email to Kyle.Glitchell@commerce.wa.gov. Other methods are TBD. |
Action did not move forward ARL did not move forward |
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08/29/2024 | 08/29/2024 | Ongoing | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Cannabis Technical Fix | The RCW 43.330.540 Section 1(ii) states “Cannabis licensees holding a license issued after April 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024, who meet the social equity applicant criteria under RCW 69.50.335” we are expanding this to match the Bill 5080 to extend the timeline to 2032. In addition, we are expanding grantee recipients to include Research Stipends and Renewal Energy construction. | The program is based on the Social Equity Task Force. This Task Force will make recommendations to promote business ownership among individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs, in order to remedy the harms resulting from the enforcement of cannabis-related laws. The Task Force will work to center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities that have been most impacted by enforcement of cannabis-related laws. |
Ongoing |
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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 |
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03/07/2024 | 12/08/2023 | 12/31/2023 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Smokey Bear License Plate | This Agency Request Legislation would establish a Smokey Bear license plate that would be available for purchase in October 2024. Revenue from Smokey Bear License plates would be devoted to wildfire prevention programs administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This would be the agency’s first license plate, the state’s only license plate for wildfire prevention, and is the symbol of support for wildland fire fighters. | DNR will formally invite stakeholders to provide feedback on all the Agency Request Legislation for the upcoming legislative session. Comments will be received through an online portal and may be directed to individual DNR staff members, as well. Stakeholders are also encouraged to participate in the legislative process through public comment and engagement with elected representatives. |
Completed Smokey Bear License Plate |
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07/11/2024 | 06/25/2024 | 09/12/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | WSBO Program Update, including SBO Goals Update and Transfer of the administrative duties for the Digital Equity Forum to the Office of Equity | This Agency Request Legislation will accomplish two things. First, to formally move the administration of the Digital Equity Forum to the Office of Equity. Second, we also plan to update WSBO goals in RCW 43.330.536 to better align with the current work in PWB, CERB and the SBO. | Input for this ARL can be provided using our public comment form. https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/78649f9ca0b74d35854a7e817bd0e349 |
Completed State Broadband Office Program Update ARL |
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07/30/2024 | 05/10/2024 | 10/02/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Direct Cash Transfer for Youth Pilot Program | Agency Request Legislation with funds appropriated to implement a pilot program during 2025-2027 to give direct cash transfers to youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability | Currently, the funds passed during the 2023-2024 legislative session to contract and design a direct cash transfer program are being utilized to host a team of individuals with lived experience to host focus groups and decide how to design the pilot program. OHY has agreed that we can utilize the existing planned focus groups which will occur in late August to specifically ask about environmental justice and health in relation to the proposed program to utilize for the final EJA. |
Completed Direct Cash Transfer for Youth Program ARL |
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09/13/2024 | 09/12/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Solar Panel Takeback Program Delay | Ecology is submitting agency request legislation to request a delay in the effective dates in Washington’s Solar Panel Takeback Program law. The state’s clean energy transition is facing a setback if a provision in the solar panel stewardship and takeback program goes into effect on July 1, 2025. The agency request legislation will enable the industry to legally continue operating in the state while solutions are being developed and allows for the creation of a facilitated advisory committee to identify issues with the law and develop recommendations for adjustment. | Ecology will be conducting an Environmental Justice Assessment during the month of September. We will share information and opportunities for public comment on our website and through email. We intend to provide an online public meeting, individual and small group meetings. Additionally, Ecology will accept written and online public comments. |
Ongoing |
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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 |
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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 |
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03/07/2024 | 12/15/2023 | 12/31/2023 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Early Learning Facilities | This Agency Request Legislation expands the definition of “Common School”, currently limited to K-12, to include early care and education. This allows for the construction and maintenance of early care and education facilities at public schools with revenue from DNR’s Common School Construction Fund. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will have the authority and discretion to allocate the proceeds received by the sale of timber or otherwise generated by state lands. A separate new capital gains tax now provides enough funding for K-12 school construction; this is proposed legislation is complementary and addresses an unfunded need. | DNR will formally invite stakeholders to provide feedback on all the Agency Request Legislation for the upcoming legislative session. Comments will be received through an online portal and may be directed to individual DNR staff members, as well. Stakeholders are also encouraged to participate in the legislative process through public comment and engagement with elected representatives. OSPI will also convene a committee of early learning facilities experts to advise the prioritization methodology of applications for projects; members will include representatives from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Commerce, one of the State’s educational Service Districts, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and the early learner facilities stakeholder group. |
Completed Early Learning Facilities |
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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. |
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07/30/2024 | 05/10/2024 | 10/02/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Housing- and Homelessness-Related RCW Changes | This proposal seeks to make seven (7) RCW changes to streamline and clarify statutes related to housing and homelessness programs operated by Commerce. | Tribal engagement and survey |
Completed Housing and Homelessness Related RCW Changes ARL |
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11/20/2023 | 11/20/2023 | 12/31/2023 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Tribal Interlocal Agreements | This Significant Agency Action is Agency Request Legislation (ARL). This ARL amends RCWs 7.84.140 and 43.12.065 to authorize the Commissioner of Public Lands to enter into collaborative law enforcement agreements with federally recognized Tribes. This ARL does not require DNR or any federally recognized Tribe to enter into such an agreement. | Comments may be submitted to DNR's Legislative Affairs team (legsession@dnr.wa.gov). Technical questions may be directed to the DNR Deputy Chief Operating Officer (leonard.young@dnr.wa.gov, 360-628-4200). |
Completed Tribal Interlocal Agreements |
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03/07/2024 | 12/18/2023 | 12/31/2023 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Housing on Public Land | This Agency Request Legislation adds a new section to RCW 82.29A to create a leasehold excise tax (LET) exemption for leases on public land used for the placement of newly constructed affordable housing. Currently, the LET fee is 12.84% of the lease rate. This exemption is intended to incentivize developers to build affordable housing on leased DNR land. The exemption applies to the land and the length of exemption depends on the following conditions: A 12-year LET exemption if the lessee commits to renting or selling at least 20% of units as affordable to low and moderate-income households; A 20-year LET exemption if the lessee commits to renting or selling at least 25% of units as affordable to low and moderate-income households. | The purpose of this tax exemption is to provide housing for low-and-moderate income households, many of which include people from overburdened communities and vulnerable populations. Any formal contract for housing development would include agencies that represent these communities and support inclusion of their voices and lived experience in the creation of the housing units. |
Completed Housing on Public Land |
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07/18/2024 | 07/18/2024 | Action did not move forward | 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. |
Action did not move forward N/A |
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07/31/2024 | 07/25/2024 | Ongoing | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Extending public records act exemptions at the Department of Commerce | Running an agency request legislation to extend public records act exemptions at the department of commerce | N/A |
Ongoing |
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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 |
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09/13/2023 | 09/13/2023 | 11/28/2023 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Repealing the greenhouse gas content calculation requirement in RCW 19.405.070 | This bill repeals a statute enacted in 2019 that requires that electric utilities submit to Commerce a calculation of the greenhouse gas content of the electricity they supply to their customers. This report is unnecessary because more complete and stringent reporting requirements were enacted by the Legislature in 2021. | This bill would not result in any positive or negative environmental or health outcomes for communities in Washington and is therefore found to not be SAA. The public may provide comments during committee public hearings in the legislative session, but Commerce does not plan to conduct additional outreach. |
Completed Repealing the greenhouse gas content calculation requirement in RCW 19.405.070 |
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03/07/2024 | 12/18/2023 | 12/31/2023 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Drought Mitigation | Revising RCW 79.13 to allow for DNR to lease assets as well as land and modernize publication/advertisement language. | No plan has been made at this time. |
Completed Drought Mitigation |
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11/28/2023 | 09/01/2023 | 12/05/2023 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Solar Consumer Protections | This legislative proposal would establish solar consumer protections in statute. Commerce has developed this proposal after hearing about an increase in problematic sales and installation practices of distributed solar energy systems. The proposal focuses on contracts between solar energy contractors and residential or commercial property owners. The language would establish required contract provisions to make customers aware of what services they will and will not receive. The contract provisions would be enforceable in a legal proceeding or under RCW 19.86 (the Consumer Protection Act). | Commerce held a public workshop on the proposal on September 27, 2023 to share information and collect input. This fall, Commerce's Energy Division has been hosting meetings around the state on a potential statewide energy bill assistance program. At those meetings, we are sharing a fact sheet on the solar consumer protections legislative proposal and information on how to provide input. Commerce is continuing to accept public input through this smartsheet form: https://tinyurl.com/solarleg. |
Completed Solar Consumer Protections |
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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 |
Action did not move forward Tire cost reduction act - reducing the rolling resistance of motor vehicle replacement tires ARL not moving forward |
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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. |
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11/28/2023 | 09/01/2023 | 12/05/2023 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Promoting equitable economic and technological advancement through the Clean Energy Fund | This legislative proposal would codify the Clean Energy Fund as a permanent program at the Department of Commerce and establish the central principles and rules of the program. The Clean Energy Fund (CEF) was established as a Governor Inslee initiative in 2013 and has been championed by his administration. It is critical to establish permanence for this program so that it can continue to provide the investments needed to accelerate Washington’s transition to clean energy and ensure that all communities are able to participate in and benefit from this transition. CEF not only catalyzes the development of new technologies needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but it also enables adaptation of these technologies to suit the different needs and conditions of communities throughout the state. The Legislature has provided biennial funding for investments through the CEF which has resulted in a reincarnation of the program every two years. Establishing the CEF program in statute creates continuity, establishes clear objectives for a permanent program, and enables the program to be responsive to policy, market transformation and local needs. It also signals the Legislature's enduring commitment to partner with communities to achieve a clean, affordable, resilient and just energy future. | The Department of Commerce seeks regular feedback and community input on how we design and implement Clean Energy Fund (CEF) grant opportunities. This includes workshops on funding opportunities and regular engagement with entities participating in and interested in applying to CEF. In 2020, an Energy and Climate Advisory Committee was convened to evaluate how CEF could be improved and made more accessible. Many of the recommendations of the Committee's report have been incorporated into this proposal. Most recently, the Department of Commerce issued a Request for Information this fall on how to implement the latest round of funding under the Clean Energy Fund. Commerce's overarching goal is to ensure that access to CEF funds is equitable and that implementation of CEF reduces burdens that can prevent communities from participating in clean energy innovation. Notably, the proposed legislative language would require Commerce to give priority to applications for projects that benefit vulnerable populations and overburdened communities. |
Completed Codifying the Clean Energy Fund |
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08/30/2024 | 08/30/2024 | 10/25/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | ARL - Increase ADO Funding & Update Governing Statute | Proposed bill addresses inequitable reporting requirements, provides equitable funding floors and ceilings, and addresses ADO match requirements that provide greater discretion to the agency to define. | Open meeting, written comment, and solicitation through ADO association. |
Completed ARL - Increase ADO Funding & Update Governing Statute |
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08/09/2024 | 08/09/2024 | 09/30/2024 | Ecology, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Wood Stove Standards | The Department is proposing legislation that would allow the agency to review and verify the results of required EPA tests for wood burning stoves to ensure stove performance data is reliable. This will allow Ecology to ensure stoves truly meet national standards so that consumers and residents can have confidence in the performance of the devices installed in their homes. | Ecology plans to conduct public engagement in August and early September of 2024, with outreach focused on people from overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes, for the purpose of developing this Environmental Justice Assessment. Ecology will provide a variety of ways for the public to provide input to inform this Environmental Justice Assessment, including: online public meetings, individual and small group meetings with interested parties, and online public comments. We will also reach out to groups with an environmental and environmental justice focus and community-based groups by email and phone to see if they would like to provide input for this assessment. We will also provide a summary of the proposal to Tribes and provide an opportunity for government-to-government consultation. As we schedule opportunities for public feedback and participation, we will share them through our website. |
Completed Wood Stove Standards Agency Request Legislation: An Environmental Justice Assessment (per RCW 70A.02.060) |
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11/12/2024 | 09/30/2024 | 11/06/2024 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Surface Mine Reclamation Project | DNR Surface Mine Reclamation Program (SMRP) administers the Surface Mining Act (RCW 78.44), regulating the reclamation of over 850 surface mines across Washington state. Reclamation includes ensuring that when mining is complete, slopes on site are stable, storm water quantity and quality are similar in nature to pre-mining conditions, and the site is well-prepared for its designated subsequent use. SMRP is fully fee-funded and requires a fee increase in order to continue meeting its minimum regulatory legal requirements. The proposal will standardize permit application fees (all will cost $4,500) and will increase annual permit fees for private and some public mines from $2,000 to $3,500. It will increase annual fees for public mines that use their sites for public works projects from $0, $1,000, or $2,000 to $2,500. | SMRP convened two meetings of a stakeholder group to solicit feedback and discussion about this fee increase proposal. The stakeholder group comprises a group of small and large mining company representatives and public agency representatives. These are permit holders who operate mines across the state. SMRP has not solicited feedback from people from overburdened communities and vulnerable populations. DNR will formally invite Tribes to provide feedback on all the Agency Request Legislation for the upcoming legislative session. Comments will be received through an online portal and may be directed to individual DNR staff members, as well. |
Completed ARL to amend RCW 78.44 to requires a fee increase in order to continue meeting DNR's minimum regulatory legal requirements. |
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03/18/2024 | 12/01/2023 | Ongoing | Health, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Cottage Food Operations Agency Request Legislation | The Department wants to add Cottage Food Operations into the public health system. This will help us direct our food safety and community engagement efforts with those who want to sell food prepared in home kitchens. | food.safety@doh.wa.gov |
Ongoing |
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08/09/2024 | 08/09/2024 | 09/13/2024 | Ecology, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Climate Resilience Governance | RCW 70A.05 requires Ecology, in coordination with other partner agencies, to recommend a durable governance structure for coordinating and implementing the state’s climate resilience strategy by September 30, 2024. This legislation would establish the recommended governance structure. It will ensure the state has an ongoing mechanism for strategic alignment, collaboration, transparency, and accountability across the many state agencies that can support and advance greater climate resilience in Washington. | A public comment period was held on the draft climate resilience strategy, including the proposed governance structure. Public comments on the EJ Assessment can be provided by email to agency staff at: jennifer.hennessey@ecy.wa.gov. Ecology plans to reach out to and meet with representatives of environmental justice organizations to gather additional input on the EJ Assessment and the proposed significant agency action. |
Completed Agency Request Legislation: Interagency Climate Resilience Coordinating Council An Environmental Justice Assessment (per RCW 70A |
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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 ARL is not moving forward |
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10/19/2023 | 10/19/2023 | 01/14/2024 | Ecology, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Carbon market linkage changes | The Department of Ecology is considering proposing legislation that would modify the Cap-and-Invest Program to allow linking the Washington’s carbon market with the joint California-Quebec market, creating a single shared market. A legislative proposal will only be put forward for consideration if Ecology’s Director decides to pursue linkage. Parts of the law that might be proposed to be amended include, but are not limited to, changes to purchase limits, auction application timelines, and other provisions | 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 Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m and Thursday, Oct. 26, at 9 a.m. More information on the listening session is located on the agency webpage. |
Cap-and-Invest Program Agency Request Legislation |
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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 |
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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 |
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07/25/2024 | 07/25/2024 | 09/23/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Victims of Crime Act Stabilization | OCVA’s most significant resources for crime victims in Washington is tied to federal funding associated with the Victims of Crime Victim’s Act (VOCA). Federal VOCA Assistance funds have been declining and, in response, the state has provided supplemental funds that will expire on June 30, 2025. We are anticipating a very severe “funding cliff” for WA state if both state supplemental funds go away and federal VOCA funds are reduced as projected. Washington state needs a sustainable solution to maintain VOCA infrastructure and ensure access to services for victims/survivors. | Advisory Groups Email comments Listening Sessions (as host) Surveys Draft EJA posted for public comment at the link below |
Action did not move forward Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Stabilization - Agency Request Legislation (ARL) N/A |
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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 |
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08/21/2024 | 08/21/2024 | 08/27/2024 | Commerce, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Public Disclosure Protections for Energy Critical Infrastructure Information | Proposing a change to RCW 42.56 which would exclude critical infrastructure information (as defined by Federal law) from public disclosure. This would encourage utilities to report physical and cybersecurity threats and damage with the Energy Resilience & Emergency Management Office for coordination on response and restoration activities. | Stakeholder interviews Email comments submitted to eli.king@commerce.wa.gov |
Completed Public Disclosure Protections for Energy Critical Infrastructure Information |
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03/07/2024 | 12/18/2023 | 12/31/2023 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Fallen Firefighters Memorial | This Agency Request Legislation would direct the Department of Enterprise Services to establish a new memorial for fallen firefighters on the Capitol Campus. | DNR will formally invite stakeholders to provide feedback on all the Agency Request Legislation for the upcoming legislative session. Comments will be received through an online portal and may be directed to individual DNR staff members, as well. Stakeholders are also encouraged to participate in the legislative process through public comment and engagement with elected representatives. |
Completed Fallen Firefighters Memorial |
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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 |
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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 |
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03/07/2024 | 12/08/2023 | 12/31/2023 | Natural Resources, Department of | Agency-request legislation | Commercial Use Fees | Agency Request Legislation to amend RCW 4.24.210, the Recreational Immunity Statute, to give DNR the authority to charge fees for recreation permits, issued for organized recreation or educational activities. If successful, this statutory authority will provide DNR the ability to develop a fee structure for recreation permits, which will allow the program to pursue administrative cost recovery and will provide the certainty needed for the future development of an agency Commercial Recreation Policy. | DNR will formally invite stakeholders to provide feedback on all the Agency Request Legislation for the upcoming legislative session. Comments will be received through an online portal and may be directed to individual DNR staff members, as well. Stakeholders are also encouraged to participate in the legislative process through public comment and engagement with elected representatives. If we are successful in getting this agency request legislation passed, we will complete a thorough outreach process with community members as we develop a fee structure and commercial recreation policy. We will look to our internal Environmental Justice Office for guidance on this work. |
Completed Commercial Use Fees |
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03/29/2024 | 02/02/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million | Loan offer to Hartstene Pointe Water-Sewer District for Hartstene Pointe Sewer Collection System Improvements. | The proposed action is to provide the Hartstene Pointe Water-Sewer District with $14 million of loan funding for system-wide repairs and the replacement and relocation of a deteriorated sewer main. The project location is the Hartstene Pointe Water-Sewer District Sewer Collection System on Hartstene Island in Mason County, adjacent to Puget Sound via Case Inlet. Hartstene Island is in the Treaty-reserved Usual and Accustomed Area of the Squaxin Island Tribe. Anticipated benefits from the improvements made with this loan include: • Preventing a main sewer line failure on a bluff directly above a marine environment. Such a failure would result in raw sewage flows into Puget Sound and shoreline, which is a serious risk for public health, geoduck harvesting and shellfish farming, and water quality. • Preventing rainwater and water underground from flowing into the sewer pipes through leaks and pipe connections (infiltration and inflow). Excess inflow and infiltration can overload the wastewater system and violate the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. Permit violations result in fines to the local community, which can be burdensome. • This project will help restore Puget Sound because these changes directly improves the water quality (primarily to dissolved oxygen levels) of impaired portions of the Sound. | Ecology plans to conduct engagements focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations beginning in April 2024 for the environmental justice assessment of this loan offer. Ecology conducted public engagement in February and March of 2024, with an online webinar and public comment period. We will respond to comments regarding environmental justice, overburdened communities, or vulnerable populations with vulnerabilities impacted by the action and seek further involvement to address concerns. Through methods yet to be determined, Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage overburdened communities in Mason County and provide opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Ecology will also invite Tribal consultation with impacted Tribes, including but not limited to the Squaxin Island, Nisqually Indian, and Skokomish Tribes. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov with any comments or questions, or visit the webpage below to stay informed. |
Ongoing |
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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 |
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03/29/2024 | 02/02/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million | Loan offer to King County for the Duwamish Combined Sewer Overflow project | The purpose of the proposed action is to provide King County with $70 million of loan funding to construct a storage facility and conveyance so that partially and untreated sewage mixed with rainwater (combined sewer overflow) can be routed for treatment before release into the Duwamish River through outfalls. The increased storage capacity will reduce the number of combined sewer overflows at two sites along the Duwamish River. Currently, based on a 20-year average, pollution overflows into the river 4.4 times per year at one site and 1.9 times per year at the other. The loan project locations are West Michigan Street Regulator Station (W Michigan St. RS) Overflow and Terminal 115 (T115) Overflow. These sites are part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund National Priorities List and the Washington Hazardous Sites List. Anticipated benefits from the investments made with this loan include: • The Lower Duwamish River will receive less pollution during severe rains because large volumes of sewage and rain runoff will be treated before discharge into the river. • Reducing the overflows to one per year at each site. Federal and state regulations require communities to reduce the frequency of untreated combined sewer overflows, on average, allowing no more than one overflow event per year. Reducing overflows benefits people, wildlife, and water quality because CSOs can carry contaminants such as pathogens, oxygen-consuming pollutants, solids, nutrients, and toxics. | Ecology plans to conduct engagement focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations for the environmental justice assessment of this loan offer beginning in April 2024. Ecology conducted public engagement in February and March of 2024, with an online webinar and public comment period. We will respond to comments regarding overburdened communities or populations with vulnerabilities and will seek further involvement as needed to address concerns. Through methods yet to be determined, Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage overburdened communities in King County and provide opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Ecology will also invite tribal consultation and staff discussions with impacted Tribes, which include but may not be limited to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Puyallup Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Suquamish Tribe, and Tulalip Tribes. Ecology will engage in consultation in formats that are requested by the Tribes and that create opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov with any comments or questions. |
Ongoing |
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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 |
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03/29/2024 | 02/02/2024 | 01/21/2025 | Ecology, Department of | Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million | Loan offer to Snoqualmie Pass Utility District for wastewater treatment plant membrane bioreactor improvements | The purpose of this action is to provide the Snoqualmie Pass Utility District with $18 million in loan funding to construct updates to the wastewater treatment infrastructure to meet surface water quality standards and phase out the current land treatment system. Infrastructure upgrades include a membrane bioreactor, solids handling facilities, aerobic digestion, sludge dewatering, drying beds, and associated instrumentation and controls. Currently, wastewater is land applied to 45 acres of Forest Service property. After completing these improvements, the Snoqualmie Pass Utility District will treat wastewater and discharge it to Coal Creek, which drains to Lake Keechelus. The project location includes the treatment plant at 370 Treatment Plant Road, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068. The project also impacts Coal Creek, a tributary of Lake Keechelus. Anticipated benefits from the investments made with this loan include: • The treated wastewater from the new membrane bioreactor system will have a higher water quality than the treated wastewater from the existing lagoon system. These improvements mean the facility will no longer release treated wastewater to land, which will prevent runoff to a nearby lake during part of the year. • The new treatment technology will discharge cleaner wastewater to Coal Creek. • The Forest Service will recover the land application site and allow it to return to natural habitat conditions. | Ecology plans to conduct engagement focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations for the environmental justice assessment of this loan offer beginning in April 2024 . Ecology conducted public engagement in February and March of 2024, with an online webinar and public comment period. We will respond to comments regarding environmental justice, overburdened communities, or vulnerable populations with vulnerabilities impacted by the action and seek further involvement to address concerns. Through methods yet to be determined, Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage overburdened communities in Kittitas County and provide opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Ecology will also invite Tribal consultation with impacted Tribes, which includes but may not be limited to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, and Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov with any comments or questions, or visit the webpage below to stay informed. |
Completed Water Quality Program Loan Offer to the Snoqualmie Pass Utility District Environmental Justice Assessment |
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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 |
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12/30/2024 | 12/30/2024 | Ongoing | Ecology, Department of | Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million | Award for Restoration and Recovery of the Willapa Bay North Shore | The purpose of this action is to provide $14.3 million to the Pacific Conservation District (PCD) to implement the Restoration and Recovery of the Willapa Bay North Shore project, which will restore a large section of Willapa Bay’s north shoreline. 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, Pacific Conservation District (PCD) will implement the Restoration and Recovery of the Willapa Bay North Shore project. This region was identified by CEJST as low income and was ranked in the 98th percentile or higher for both expected building loss rate and expected population loss due to natural hazards. Funds will be used for the installation of a nature-based dynamic revetment (small cobble, large woody debris, and root wads), staff time to manage the project and coordinate collaborative workshops with partners and stakeholders, staff equipment, native plant and other restoration materials, adaptive management, and travel for project construction and presentation of results at conferences. Funds will also be used to contract with an engineering firm to update final designs that were developed in 2020, and to fund for a separate activity with Ecology’s Coastal Monitoring and Analysis Program for pre- and post-construction shoreline monitoring. This project will bring funds directly to Pacific County businesses and residents and will improve the long-term economic and ecological vitality of the North Willapa region and its natural resource-dependent communities. | Washington Department of Ecology collaborated with PCD in the planning for this project. This project was designed within the community and collaboratively with local stakeholders and partners. The North Cove area is identified as overburdened. Community based organizations and Tribes in this overburdened community helped co-develop the project and had opportunities to provide comments. As the project moves forward, these groups will continue to be consulted and have opportunities for input. Collaboration with and comment from the communities and Tribes affected by this project will continue to inform this assessment, as well as the planning and design of this work. PCD will take the lead in holding additional community meetings, conducting further stakeholder outreach and coordinating with their local partners. PCD will consult with local and regional partners through the Willapa Erosion Control Action Now (WECAN) community forum and Coastal Hazards Resilience Network. PCD will work with Pacific County Drainage District No 1 on community participation and coordination throughout the project lifecycle, including facilitation/coordination of the WECAN community forum to ensure cohesion with related projects and partners. PCD will report the result of their meetings, outreach and coordination to the Department of Ecology throughout the project period. PCD 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. Tribal partners will be integrally involved with this project. PCD, the Department of Ecology and NOAA will conduct information sharing with Tribal nations in the project area. Ecology will support PCD and other project partners in this work, including participating in the WECAN network, providing technical assistance as needed, and advising on environmental justice impacts as needed. Additionally, the NOAA Office of Coastal Management will consult with potentially interested Tribes as part of the Federal Section 106 compliance process. 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 |
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03/15/2024 | 02/02/2024 | 10/31/2024 | Ecology, Department of | Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million | Water Quality Program draft loan offer to the City of Lynden for updated infrastructure at the municipality’s wastewater treatment plant. | The proposed action is to provide the City of Lynden with $18,394,140 of loan funding to improve the municipal wastewater treatment plant, including upgrading the oxidation ditches to a Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) biological treatment system, constructing a new blower building, and modifying a suite of other systems within the plant. These retrofits will improve nutrient removal to meet new water quality permit requirements and increase treatment capacity to accommodate anticipated economic growth in the area. The project location is the Lynden Wastewater Treatment Plant at 800 South 6th Street, Lynden, Washington. Anticipated benefits from this loan offer include: • Improved water quality in the Nooksack River and continued benefits to communities that use the Nooksack River, a tributary of Bellingham Bay, part of the Puget Sound. • Reduced nutrient pollution discharging from wastewater into the Nooksack River. • Increased treatment capacity for anticipated population growth over the next 20 years. • Greater energy efficiency in the wastewater systems. | Ecology plans to conduct engagement, focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, beginning in April 2024 to assess the environmental justice of this loan offer. Ecology conducted public engagement in February and March of 2024, with an online webinar and public comment period. We will respond to comments regarding overburdened communities or populations with vulnerabilities and will seek further involvement as needed to address concerns. Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage overburdened communities in Whatcom County and provide opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Ecology will invite Tribal consultation with impacted tribes, including but not limited to Nooksack, Lummi, Swinomish, Upper Skagit, and Tulalip Tribes. Ecology will engage in consultation in formats that are requested by the tribes and which create opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov with any comments or questions. |
Completed Water Quality Program draft loan offer to the City of Lynden, Environmental Justice Assessment |
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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 |
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03/15/2024 | 02/02/2024 | 01/02/2025 | Ecology, Department of | Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million | Water Quality Program draft loan offer to the City of Washougal for updated infrastructure at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. | The purpose of this action is to provide the City of Washougal with $22,564,700 in loan funding to construct infrastructure updates at the municipality’s wastewater treatment plant including a new biological selector, new biosolids management facilities, and odor control facilities. These upgrades are needed to increase the facility’s capacity to process wastewater and address operational issues that have impeded the plant’s ability to meet permit requirements and respond to odor nuisances. The loan project is located at the City of Washougal Wastewater Treatment Plant, 3900 SE Lewis and Clark Hwy, Washougal, WA. Anticipated benefits from the improvements made with this loan include: • Meeting many permit provisions and regulatory requirements. • Implementing operations and maintenance best management practices outlined in engineering reports and permits to avoid future environmental and water quality impacts. • Replacing the existing lagoons with a mechanical thickening and dewatering process to achieve groundwater and wetland protections. • Future decommissioning of the existing lagoons to open several acres of publicly owned land for reuse. • Lowering biosolids treatment and disposal costs. • Resolving odor issues. • Increasing wastewater treatment capacity, allowing for continued growth in the City. | Ecology plans to conduct engagement, focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, for the purpose of the environmental justice assessment of this loan offer beginning in April 2024. Ecology conducted public engagement in February and March of 2024, with an online webinar and public comment period. We will respond to comments regarding overburdened communities or populations with vulnerabilities and will seek further involvement as needed to address concerns. Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage overburdened communities in Clark County and provide opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Ecology will also invite tribal consultation with impacted tribes which includes but may not be limited to the Yakama Nation and Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Ecology will engage in consultation in formats that are requested by the tribes and that create opportunities for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. |
Completed Water Quality Program Loan Offer to The City of Washougal, Environmental Justice Assessment |
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07/21/2023 | 07/18/2023 | 10/23/2024 | Puget Sound Partnership | Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million | PSAR Large Capital Grant Round Request for Proposals | The Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration large capital grant round requested proposals for projects that recover salmon and protect and recover salmon habitat in Puget Sound. The state legislature appropriates money for PSAR every 2 years in the Capital Budget. The projects selected and ranked on a Capital Projects list will be part of the Capital Budget request submitted for the 2025 Legislative session. | Community engagement followed our agency's draft community engagement and tribal engagement policies. The Salmon Team with guidance from our Environmental Justice Team scheduled outreach opportunities, offered tribal consultation, and provided an online public comment form to collect responses. |
Completed EJA Report: Development of the PSAR 2025-27 Request for Proposal |