The bill addresses the issue of urban heat islands and their detrimental effects on the environment, particularly on the water temperatures of Puget Sound lowland streams. It acknowledges the scientific consensus that urban areas are significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas due to impervious surfaces, reduced vegetation, and industrial heat sources. The legislature recognizes that these elevated temperatures pose risks to human health, energy conservation, and the preservation of aquatic life, particularly salmon. To combat this issue, the bill proposes a pilot study to evaluate the urban heat island effect and its impact on water temperatures in urban streams.

To implement this, the bill mandates the collaboration of the department, the department of fish and wildlife, and the department of natural resources to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the urban heat island effect. This includes collecting and synthesizing data on riparian habitat, land cover, and tree canopy, as well as designing a pilot monitoring study to assess water temperatures in urban areas. The findings will be reported to the governor's office and the legislature, with a focus on making the data publicly accessible through a dedicated website. The bill aims to enhance understanding of the factors influencing water temperatures and to inform future policy decisions related to urban planning and environmental conservation.