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Environmental justice assessment notices

The Healthy Environment for All Act (HEAL Act) requires specific state agencies to conduct an environmental justice assessment for significant agency actions.

  • The development and adoption of significant legislative rules as defined in RCW 34.05.328.
  • The development and adoption of any new grant or loan program that the agency is explicitly authorized or required by statute to implement.
  • A capital project, grant, or loan award costing at least $12,000,000.
  • A transportation project, grant, or loan costing at least $15,000,000.
  • The submission of agency request legislation to the Office of the Governor or OFM for approval.

An environmental justice assessment is a process to:

  • identify and assess the impacts of a significant agency action on overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes;
  • solicit community and tribal input in the development of the action and on options to mitigate, reduce or eliminate harms and equitably distribute benefits associated with the action;
  • report on how the agency did or did not modify the action based upon community and tribal input.

The goal of an EJ assessment is to help a state agency make decisions and to assist with:

  • equitably distributing environmental benefits;
  • reducing environmental harms;
  • identifying and reducing environmental and health disparities through the implementation of the action.

Agencies covered by the HEAL Act or who have opted in to the HEAL Act requirements include these departments:

  • Agriculture (WSDA)
  • Commerce
  • Ecology
  • Health (DOH)
  • Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Transportation (WSDOT)
  • Office of the Attorney General
  • Puget Sound Partnership (PSP)

Under RCW 70A.02.090 each covered agency must file a notice with us of significant agency actions for which the agency is initiating an environmental justice assessment. We prepare a list of all filings received from covered agencies each week to post here every Friday.

Below is list of state agency environmental justice assessments that you can filter by agency or type of action, or use the search bar to find certains terms. Select the "+" symbol for desciptions of the action, how the public can provide input, and a link to the EJ assessment when completed. For a dashboard summarizing the assessments received to date, see the HEAL Act dashboards.

Date submitted Date initiated Date completedsort ascending Agency Type Agency action Description Methods for providing public comment Status
04/09/2024 04/09/2024 08/16/2024 Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Law Enforcement Vehicle Pursuit Technology Grant Program New program to provide law enforcement with grants for modern vehicle pursuit management technology (for example: GPS tracking equipment, automated license plate readers, aircraft, and non-armed and non-armored drones, etc.). Grants are for local law enforcement agencies (including tribal law enforcement agencies). Proposals must include a request for specific technology and a specific plan for implementation, use, and effectiveness reporting of that technology. Local law enforcement agencies seeking grants must: 1) Establish data-sharing and management policies; and (2) Establish policies ensuring all operating personnel are trained to use the requested technology and comply with the data-sharing and management policies mentioned in item 1 above. This program is expected to reduce the danger of pursuits in communities by giving law enforcement more efficient and modern tools. More technology being implemented may track additional data that may not have been historically tracked. Following a competitive process (RFP S24-34444-001) 18 contractors were selected for SFY '24. These are listed below: Omak Police Department Monroe Police Department Benton County Sheriff's Office Marysville Police Department Kirkland Police Department Woodland Police Department Everett Police Department Reardan Police Department Lake Forest Park Police Department Puyallup Police Department Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Port Angeles Police Department in partnership with Lower Elwha Tribal Police Richland Police Department Washougal Police Department Olympia Police Department Yakima Police Department West Richland Police Department Spokane County Sheriff's Office In process: setting up a webpage, email engagement, and working with community engagement team internally. Completed
Law Enforcement Vehicle Pursuit Technology Grant Program
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 07/22/2024 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. Completed
Grants to Community-Based Organizations to Support Participation in Local Planning
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
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
01/19/2024 12/26/2023 06/03/2024 Commerce, Department of New grant or loan program Grant program funding to local governments to protect and improve salmon recovery and water quality through smart growth planning Provide funding to local governments and tribes to revise their comprehensive plans and development regulations to better integrate stormwater and salmon recovery work in local jurisdiction's plans and programs. Email comments, GovDelivery emails, listening sessions Completed
Grant program funding to local governments to protect and improve salmon recovery and water quality through smart growth plannin
08/01/2023 08/01/2023 05/20/2024 Health, Department of Significant legislative rules Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program Rulemaking The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting an environmental justice assessment for rulemaking under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program (Chapter 246-296 WAC). Through this rulemaking, we will determine qualifications for "disadvantaged community" status within this program. The DWSRF program supports safe and reliable drinking water by providing infrastructure loans, grants, and loan principal forgiveness for public water systems across Washington. The DWSRF team has shared draft criteria and tools for identifying "disadvantaged communities" on the DWSRF website (https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/drinking-water/water-system...) and comments can be sent to DWSRF@doh.wa.gov. We are also planning virtual and in-person community engagement events to take place from August 2023 - January 2024. After draft rule language is posted (anticipated April 2024), we will hold a 60-day formal public comment period (anticipated April - May 2024). Completed
EJ Assessment Report: Chapter 246-296 WAC a Rule Concerning Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program
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
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
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
10/19/2023 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
11/28/2023 09/01/2023 12/05/2023 Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Codifying 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
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
09/13/2023 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
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
09/14/2023 09/14/2023 07/21/2023 Ecology, Department of New grant or loan program Water Security Drought Grant Initiative Ecology is developing a new pilot grant initiative focused on local water security preparedness and planning in the context of drought. In 2024, Ecology will make $1.8 million available statewide via competitive grants for Tribes and local applicants to plan for future water security. These plans will identify the specific actions, and associated costs and timeframes, a local community intends to take to increase its water supply security as it faces the burden of intensifying severity and expanding drought conditions as our climate continues to change. While designed to benefit all members of a given local community, this water security grant program will prioritize the water security for Federally recognized Tribal governments, overburdened communities, and vulnerable populations. Ecology invites comments and questions from people in overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, including water systems that include overburdened and vulnerable members of that community. Information about the EJ Assessment and the grant program are available on the program website. Members of the public can direct their comments to Caroline Mellor, Water Resources HEAL ACT lead at Caroline.Mellor@ecy.wa.gov. Completed
Chapter 173-167 WAC Emergency Drought Funding: An Environmental Justice Assessment
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
09/05/2024 06/16/2024 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million SR 525 Paver and Complete Streets Project This project will grind and pave Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) on both directions of the SR 525 Spur to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal, to extend the pavement service life and preserve the roadway. In addition, this project will evaluate and replace/modify all pedestrian curb ramps within the project limits that do not meet ADA standards. TBD Ongoing
04/10/2024 06/14/2023 Ongoing Health, Department of New grant or loan program Community Informed Budgeting Grant The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting an Environmental Justice Assessment on a grant program to fund projects that benefit overburdened communities. In 2023, the legislature directed DOH to design and implement a participatory budgeting process. “Participatory budgeting” is a term used to describe processes where residents help decide how to spend a part of a public budget. The DOH will work with a community advisory committee to first identify five geographically diverse overburdened communities. In collaboration with these five communities, the DOH will co-create a process to identify climate resilience and decarbonization projects. The communities will vote on projects and the selected projects will be presented to the Washington state legislature. Once approved by the legislature in 2025, these projects will be funded up to $32,600,000. Opportunities for public engagement and updates will be posted to the agency website below. Ongoing
06/27/2025 06/27/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million Northshore Levee 2025-27 Capital Budget Proviso The purpose of this action came from the 2025 State Legislature which provided a 2025-27 Capital Budget appropriation for a one-time grant solely as state assistance to the cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam for: * Aberdeen-Hoquiam flood protection project. North Shore Levee. * North Shore Levee-West segments. Anticipated benefits from the 2025-27 Capital Budget proviso include providing state funds that supplement other local, state, and federal funds for the ongoing Northshore Levee mitigation efforts for flood control by the communities in Hoquiam and Aberdeen. The project once constructed will remove large areas of Aberdeen and Hoquiam from the floodplain and will place them in a mapped Zone X through a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Protected properties will benefit from the elimination of mandatory flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The levee system will include two levies, and an interior drainage pump system as required by FEMA. The North Shore Levee implementation efforts bring significant environmental and public health benefits. Residential households, developers, shellfish industry and consumers, and Tribes may experience these benefits. Ecology’s Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB) plans to conduct engagement, focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, for the purpose of the environmental justice assessment of this 25-27 Legislative provision in May 2025. OCB will conduct public engagement in July 2025, through an informational blog post and article in area media outlets, as well as provide time for public comments through emails to OCB contacts. 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, OCB will identify additional opportunities to engage overburdened communities in Grays Harbor County and the local communities and provide opportunities for their involvement in this legislative funding opportunity. OCB will invite Tribal consultation and conduct staff outreach with impacted Tribes which includes but may not be limited to the Quinault Indian Tribe and Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. Ongoing
05/29/2025 11/15/2023 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal Electrification Project Install underground power cable from the Bainbridge Island Murden Cove Puget Sound Energy (PSE) substation approximately 2.5 miles within State Route (SR) 305 right of way to metering and distribution equipment at the holding lanes, and then to a vessel charging system at terminal trestle slip 1. WSFelectrification@WSDOT.WA.GOV Ongoing
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
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
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
12/10/2024 12/10/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Organic Materials Management Rulemaking Ecology is conducting rulemaking to update the solid waste handling standards related to organic materials management under chapter 173-350 WAC. The rule is aimed at reducing contamination in the organic waste going to organic waste handling facilities, such as commercial composting facilities. This rule will allow more facilities to compost food waste and help keep organic materials out of landfills by preventing and removing contamination before it is processed into compost. Ecology is also considering amendments to cover additional organic materials management practices. This rule will have state-wide impacts. Ecology will develop and follow a formal communication plan focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in Washington. The department recognizes that all residents of Washington State, regardless of socio-economic factors, should have a say in the rules and regulations that affect them. Ecology will begin outreach to overburdened communities in Spring 2025 and will host some listening sessions early in the rule development process to better understand how the Organic Management Law, and by extension the rule, may impact overburdened communities. Once Ecology has identified an overburdened community, vulnerable population, and affected Tribes, staff will connect with those community groups to learn how our work affects the experiences of people within those communities. Ongoing
06/24/2025 06/19/2025 Ongoing Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Residential Weatherization RCW Update RCW 70A.35 (Low-Income Residential Weatherization Program) is outdated and restrictive. As of 2016, the state weatherization program is no longer a matchmaker program, where state funds are matched dollar-for-dollar based on utility contributions. The state weatherization program is now Weatherization Plus Health, which is funded out of the capital budget. The state and utilities now fund weatherization separately via local agencies (Community Action Partnership agencies, municipalities, tribes). Currently, the state weatherization program can only serve projects that involve whole-home weatherization and is limited to serving low-income households. Updating this policy and increasing its flexibility support Commerce and the ED’s goals to serve more overburdened communities (from a community approach) with less friction and more efficiencies. We first recommend updating the outdated matchmaker program language to the current Residential Weatherization program language. This will increase compliance as the RCW has not been updated in years, and the program has evolved significantly. Low-income verification is required for local agencies to use federal dollars. Local agencies typically use federal and state dollars together on projects. As such, we recommend maintaining this low-income verification process, but also recommend adding categorical eligibility (e.g., OFM Overburdened Communities Map). Additionally, we propose allowing both partial (some measures) and whole-home weatherization (all cost-effective measures that apply). This will allow us to serve more communities (e.g., weatherizing homes in an at-risk neighborhood with scalable measures and without having to income qualify all residents). This also may make it easier for agencies to work with utilities and the state, as if the state reduces barriers, the utilities will likely follow suit. These updates will benefit Washington residents, weatherization providers (local agencies), utilities, other state agencies, and other Commerce programs. With new staff across Commerce, the current federal and state landscape, increased state investment in weatherization, and the fact that this policy has been outdated for many years, it is pertinent to accurately reflect this legacy program to grow it. As we encounter new programs and pilots from other state agencies, utilities, and Commerce, and increased community need, there is a greater opportunity to run new, more flexible, innovative, and scalable weatherization programs. Advisory Groups Ongoing
03/31/2025 03/31/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Cap-and-Invest Program Updates and Linkage Rulemaking (Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC) Last year, the Washington Department of Ecology initiated a rulemaking process to consider amendments to Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC that would facilitate the option of linking Washington’s carbon market with the California-Québec carbon market. We are announcing a new rulemaking today that replaces the previous rulemaking and expands the scope to include other necessary updates to the Cap-and-Invest program rules. In this new rulemaking, as required by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) RCW 70A.65, the Department of Ecology is still exploring the option of linking Washington’s Cap-and-Invest carbon market with the California-Québec carbon market. This linkage would create a unified carbon market across the three jurisdictions so allowances issued by California and Québec could be used by Washington businesses for compliance, and vice versa. Linkage would also allow for joint allowance auctions, a common allowance price, and the free trading of allowances between jurisdictions. This rulemaking is needed to update Chapter 173-446 WAC and Chapter 173-441 WAC in line with these legislative changes and make other updates to ensure the rules are consistent with a potential linked market. The rule changes will not in themselves automatically establish linkage but will set the stage for future actions, such as signing a formal linkage agreement. Additionally, The Climate Commitment Act Program Rule requires the adoption of allowance budgets for the second compliance period (2027–2030), ensuring that emissions reductions align with Washington's 2030, 2040, and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions limits. This rule will also add one additional sector —waste to energy—to coverage under cap-and-invest as required by statute. Pursuant to the Climate Commitment Act Program Rule, Ecology will also modify and adopt rules to continue to address topics associated with imported electricity and centralized electricity markets. Ecology will consider rules relevant to allowance allocation to electric utilities. Through this rulemaking, Ecology will make updates as necessary to improve implementation of the Cap-and-Invest Program and to ensure the rule aligns with statute. Ecology is initiating this environmental justice assessment and the rulemaking process and will provide engagement opportunities that include public meetings and comment periods. Ecology plans to conduct public engagement, with outreach focused on people from overburdened communities and vulnerable populations for the purpose of developing the environmental justice assessment for this rule. Ecology will also hold Tribal forums and invite government-to-government consultation with Tribes. Ecology conducted engagement for the Linkage rulemaking and the comments gathered during that process will also be used to inform this Environmental Justice Assessment. Ecology is also available to meet with individual organizations and groups at their request during the rulemaking process. As we schedule opportunities for feedback and participation, we will share them through our website and distribution list. Please visit the rulemaking’s webpage for updates. Please contact Surabhi Subedi, Climate Pollution Reduction Program Rulemaking Planner, at CPRRulemaking@ecy.wa.gov Ongoing
07/31/2024 07/25/2024 Action did not move forward Commerce, Department of Agency-request legislation Extending public records act exemptions at the Department of Commerce Running an agency request legislation to extend public records act exemptions at the department of commerce N/A Action did not move forward
ARL did not move forward.
06/13/2024 06/13/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Other Potential linkage of Washington’s Cap-and-Invest carbon market with the joint California-Québec carbon market As required by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), Ecology is investigating the option of linking Washington’s Cap-and-Invest carbon market with the California-Québec carbon market. Through linkage, Washington’s carbon market would combine with the joint California-Québec market to create a single shared market with joint allowance auctions and a common allowance price across all jurisdictions. Allowances could be traded across jurisdictions and used to cover emissions in any of the three jurisdictions. The law also requires Ecology to evaluate specific criteria to ensure linkage would benefit Washington’s communities, economy, and climate goals. Ecology is pursuing linkage with California and Québec based on a preliminary analysis that joining a larger carbon market will lead to lower and more consistent allowance prices, benefitting businesses and consumers in Washington. This Environmental Justice Assessment is separate from the Environmental Justice Assessment being conducted on the Cap-and-Invest Linkage Rulemaking. Additionally, Ecology previously conducted an Environmental Justice Assessment on the 2024 carbon market linkage agency request legislation (Senate Bill 6058). We will consider input received through those other linkage related Environmental Justice Assessments in this Assessment. While the completion of each of these Environmental Justice Assessments is a separate legal obligation, Ecology intends to approach them as a comprehensive, iterative process of engagement and consultation that will continually inform our awareness and understanding of potential impacts as well as potential methods to minimize or eliminate harms and maximize benefits for vulnerable populations and overburdened communities. All of these processes must be complete before Ecology can sign a linkage agreement. Ecology plans to conduct public engagement starting in summer 2024, with outreach focused on people from overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes, for the purpose of developing this Environmental Justice Assessment. Ecology will provide a variety of ways for the public to provide input to inform this Environmental Justice Assessment, including: online public meetings, individual and small group meetings with interested parties, and online public comments. We will also reach out to groups with an environmental and environmental justice focus and community-based groups by email and phone to see if they would like to provide input for this assessment. We will also ask if groups are hosting meetings that Ecology can participate in to share information, answer questions, and continue to gather input. As we schedule opportunities for feedback and participation, we will share them through our website and email distribution list. Visit the linkage webpage at cca.wa.gov/linkage for updates or email us at CCALinkage@ecy.wa.gov with comments or questions. Ongoing
08/01/2024 08/01/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of New grant or loan program Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead grant program The Washington State Department of Ecology, the Washington State Conservation Commission, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation, established a partnership coalition to promote innovative and sustainable approaches to riparian management. The Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead (CR2SL) team will administer sub-awards to Puget Sound partners that result in greater area of riparian acreage protected, restored, or maintained for climate resiliency. Surrounding Puget Sound communities will benefit from resulting riparian restoration efforts as these projects are known to increase canopy cover and green spaces, improve water quality and improve habitat for fish and aquatic life. The CR2SL team will engage key stakeholders and partners to design the funding program to best support their needs and to increase their efficiency and capacity. This approach will foster the identification of multi-benefit project opportunities to promote collaborative riparian area management in Puget Sound watersheds, including nature-based solutions to climate resiliency and adaptation. The CR2SL program will use a variety of methods to engage with Puget Sound Tribes, as well as people from overburdened communities and vulnerable populations to inform this work, including: inviting formal consultation with Tribes; hosting virtual listening sessions for Tribal members and staff; distributing a Tribal listening session follow-up worksheet; inviting consultation with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission; inviting Tribal participation in the CR2SL advisory group; inviting a tribal liaison to participate in the CR2SL oversight team; hosting virtual and in-person meetings to solicit input from community based organizations operating within the program footprint; web content; and GovDelivery distribution list. Outreach and engagement efforts began in January 2024 and will continue throughout program development and implementation. Outreach and engagement will focus on Tribal engagement and engagement with the Puget Sound watershed restoration community, including community based organizations that represent overburdened and vulnerable communities that might potentially impacted by the new grant program. Ongoing
10/24/2024 09/30/2024 Ongoing Health, Department of Significant legislative rules Group A Water Supply Rulemaking The State Board of Heath (Board) and Washington Department of Health are conducting an environmental Justice assessment on proposed changes to regulations (WAC 246-290-315 and WAC 246-290-71006) to update Group A public water supply protections from certain chemicals called Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Group A systems have at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 people per day for 60 or more days of the year. If you are a Group A public water system owner/operator or identify as receiving your drinking water from a group A system and would like to share your thoughts, please contact us at drinkingwater@sboh.wa.gov Ongoing
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
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
09/12/2023 09/12/2023 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Cap-and-Invest Offsets Rulemaking (Chapter 173-446 WAC) Ecology is considering amendments to Chapter 173-446 WAC to address new and revised cap and invest offset protocols. Offsets are projects or programs designed to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. In Washington’s cap-and-invest program, offset projects must also provide direct environmental benefits to our state. Offsets allow businesses to balance out the negative impacts of their emissions by funding a project that benefits the environment such as capturing methane on dairy farms or planting trees in urban areas. The scope of this rulemaking will include consideration of protocol updates or addition of new protocols to increase the potential variety of offset projects that can be developed within the cap-and-invest program, as directed by RCW 70A.65.170(4)(b). This statute directs Ecology to conduct rulemaking that ensures that any updates or additions to the offset program are both based in the best available science, and support the needs of landowners and communities in Washington state. Ecology is initiating this environmental justice assessment and the rulemaking process and will provide engagement opportunities that include public meetings and comment periods. As we schedule opportunities for feedback and participation, we will share them through our website and distribution list. Please visit the rulemaking’s webpage or sign up for email updates here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAECY/subscriber/new?topic_id=WA... . Please contact Nikki Harris at nikki.harris@ecy.wa.gov for comments or questions. Ongoing
06/27/2025 06/27/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of New grant or loan program Spokane River Grant Program 2025 Ecology is proposing a new grant program that will invest $1 million in a Spokane River Basin Toxics Reduction grant program. The funding for this program comes from the state 2025-2027 operating budget, which provided Ecology with funds to address toxics and other contaminants in the Spokane River Basin. Eligible projects will be determined based on toxics reduction, feasibility of the project, benefit to the watershed, consideration of Tribal government priorities, alignment with other established watershed protection plans, and impact to overburdened communities. This grant program will invest state funds in Spokane watershed communities including Tribes for projects that reduce pollutants found in the river such as PCBs, PFAS, and mercury. These projects will result in cleaner water and healthier fish that are safe to eat. Ecology has presented and requested feedback on this potential grant program in three public meetings of the Spokane River Advisory Committee. In addition, Ecology has collaborated directly with members of the community that are interested in this proposed grant program. Through the fall of 2025, Ecology will initiate additional ways for members of overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and community-serving organizations to inform this proposed grant program. Ecology does not plan to host a public comment period on this action. Ongoing
05/29/2025 02/03/2025 Ongoing Transportation, Department of Transportation project, grant, or loan of at least $15 million State Route 542 Glacier Bridge Replacement Project This project will replace the State Route 542 bridge over Glacier Creek in Whatcom County, in the Community of Glacier. The new bridge will connect to the existing Gallop Creek Bridge, and together, these new structures will reduce flood risk, restore salmon habitat, and improve safety for all travelers by including active transportation connections. This project will follow a Complete Streets approach and will require an environmental justice assessment. TBD; Agency, Tribal and Community engagement will be conducted throughout the project. Specific engagement opportunities will be updated as the project advances. Find more information on the project page linked in the notice title. Ongoing
02/07/2025 02/07/2025 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million Water Quality Program Proposed Loan Offer to King County This significant agency action would provide $28.6 million in loan funding to King County for constructing needed improvements at the West Point Treatment Plant (WPTP). The project would primarily consist of replacement pumps and improvements to the grit removal system to increase reliability and meet water quality permit requirements. The construction of these improvements will increase WPTP’s capacity to treat raw wastewater and avoid the release of untreated wastewater to Puget Sound. Untreated wastewater presents environmental and health risks to aquatic life and people, so this action supports public health and protects the quality of state waters. This project is in northwest Seattle on a saltwater beach off Elliott Bay. The plant sits within Discovery Park, a 534-acre natural area with public access to 11 miles of walking trails, picnicking, a preschool. The park receives over 250,000 visitors annually. The site is of cultural significance for Indigenous people since time immemorial and is home to the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, which describes itself as “a social service provider, community center, and cultural home for urban Indians.” The public can submit feedback about the Water Quality Program's State Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Offer List, which includes this loan action, during the public comment period from 12 a.m. on Feb. 5, 2025 to 11:59 p.m. on March 7, 2025. Ecology also invites the public to attend a public meeting regarding the proposed funding on Feb. 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. To submit comments or register for the meeting, visit the Water Quality grants and loans webpage [LINK]. Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage with overburdened communities who may be impacted by this action and provide methods for their meaningful involvement in this funding decision. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov to stay informed of further involvement opportunities. Grants and loans webpage: https://ecology.wa.gov/water-shorelines/water-quality/water-quality-gran... Ongoing
07/19/2024 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
12/10/2024 12/09/2024 Action did not move forward 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. Action did not move forward
Program not moving forward due to budget
10/02/2024 10/02/2024 Ongoing Ecology, Department of Significant legislative rules Rulemaking to amend Chapter 173-443 WAC, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Other Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Ecology is announcing a rulemaking to make amendments to Chapter 173-443 WAC. These will include, but are not limited to: revisions to WAC 173-443-075 to modify the sell-through provision, revisions to WAC 173-443-040 to modify the prohibitions for Automatic Commercial Ice Machines (ACIMs), and other necessary technical and administrative changes throughout the chapter. Ecology is initiating this Environmental Justice Assessment as part of the rulemaking process and will provide engagement opportunities that include public meetings and comment periods, including engagement that will specifically focus on environmental justice. As we schedule opportunities for feedback and participation, we will share them through our website and distribution list. Please visit the rulemaking’s webpage or sign up for email updates here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAECY/subscriber/new?topic_id=WA.... Please contact Gopika Patwa at Gopika.patwa@ecy.wa.gov for comments or questions. Ongoing
11/16/2023 11/16/2023 Ongoing Health, Department of Significant legislative rules Private Detention Facilities Rule Making The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting an environmental justice assessment for rulemaking related to Chapter 70.395 RCW, which allows DOH to investigate complaints and perform health and safety inspections in private detention facilities. This is to ensure facilities meet safety and hygiene standards and provide safe conditions for people being detained. The Office of the Assistant Secretary (OAS) has participated in listening sessions with several advocacy groups and shared information regarding private detention facility rulemaking activities. OAS has created a program webpage (https://doh.wa.gov/about-us/executive-offices/prevention-safety-and-heal...) where the public can learn about rulemaking steps including upcoming listening sessions, anticipated time frames when the public can participate in multiple workgroup sessions to draft rule language, and timeframes for the informal proposed rule public comment period. Interested parties can e-mail comments directly to: privatedetentionfacilites@doh.wa.gov. Ongoing
02/08/2024 01/01/2024 Ongoing Puget Sound Partnership Other 2026-2030 Action Agenda for Puget Sound The Puget Sound Partnership is required to regularly develop and update an Action Agenda for Puget Sound. The Action Agenda outlines our region’s collective vision for a healthy and resilient Puget Sound and describes what we must achieve, how we will achieve it, and how we will hold ourselves accountable to ensure we make progress. The Action Agenda fulfills the Partnership's statutory mandate and purpose of the Clean Water Act's National Estuary Program (NEP), which guides millions of dollars of federal funding to the most beneficial projects and programs. The Action Agenda outlines strategies and actions that describe the work we must do to make progress toward our desired outcomes for Puget Sound recovery: Protect and restore habitat and habitat-forming processes; Protect and improve water quality; Protect the food web and imperiled species; Prevent the worst effects of climate change; and ensure human wellbeing. The Action Agenda provides opportunities for federal, tribal, state, local, and private partners to better invest resources and coordinate action. In 2024, Partnership staff interviewed leaders of community-based organizations in the Puget Sound region that represented and/or served overburdened communities and vulnerable population about Puget Sound recovery and restoration. Feedback from these interviews were summarized, reviewed, and considered by the Partnership and other state agencies as the 2026-2030 Action Agenda was drafted. A summary of this initial feedback is documented in our Phase 1 report. Once a draft of the Action Agenda is prepared, the Partnership will co-host community-based workshops with the organizations we interviewed in 2024. At these workshops, Partnership staff will provide an overview of the Partnership and Action Agenda, outline clear expectations of how feedback will be used, and report on how the initial feedback we received was (or was not) incorporated into the draft of the Action Agenda. Participants will be invited to provide any additional feedback for how the Action Agenda can better address their concerns and priorities. The Partnership will assess language, cultural, and accessibility needs when engaging with community members. Ongoing

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