The proposed bill aims to enhance environmental justice in Washington by mandating the Department of Ecology to incorporate environmental justice considerations into environmental assessments and checklists, particularly for projects in pollution-burdened communities. It requires lead agencies to complete an environmental justice impact statement for potentially impactful projects, which must include a detailed analysis of existing community stressors, public participation plans, and measures to mitigate adverse impacts. The bill emphasizes transparency and community engagement, mandating public hearings and information dissemination to ensure that the voices of affected communities are prioritized in decision-making processes.

Additionally, the bill streamlines the approval process for constructing or modifying air contaminant sources by allowing applicants to combine their operating permit application with the notice of construction application. It prohibits the issuance of construction approvals for new air contaminant sources in high-exposure census tracts, with exceptions for national security and clean energy projects. The legislation also clarifies that the obligations of lead agencies are supplementary to existing requirements and allows for the reimbursement of costs associated with environmental justice impact statements. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure thorough evaluation of environmental and public health impacts, particularly in communities already facing significant pollution burdens.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.15.2210