Environmental justice 

Environmental justice means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, natural origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, rules, and policies. 

Washington state has adopted landmark policies to promote environmental justice. The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act and the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) emphasize equity by creating requirements for certain programs and investments to be directed by and for overburdened communities and Tribes. Both laws require OFM to track and report on agency actions and progress in fulfilling these mandates. 

About HEAL and CCA 

Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act 

The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act was passed into law in 2021 and creates a statewide structure aimed at integrating environmental justice principles through a systematic approach. The goals of the HEAL ACT aim at mitigating the impacts of communities most disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards across the state. 

For further information about the HEAL Act visit:  

• The HEAL Act - Washington State Department of Ecology 
• Environmental Justice | Washington State Department of Health 
• Read the legislation here: Chapter 70A.02 RCW: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (wa.gov) 

Climate Commitment Act (CCA) 

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) caps and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s largest emitting sources and industries. The CCA prioritizes Environmental Justice ensuring that communities most disproportionately impacted by air pollution benefit from clean air as the state reduces greenhouse gases. 

For further information about CCA visit: 

• Climate Commitment Act - Washington State Department of Ecology 
• Read the legislation here: RCW 70A.65.030: Environmental justice assessment (as amended b 2023 c 475). (wa.gov) 

Reporting on agency actions 

Both HEAL and the CCA require that OFM publish information on the agencies’ actions and progress in implementing parts of the law. In addition, Executive Directive 24-11 calls upon OFM to publish a uniform approach for identifying overburdened communities for targeting investments.