The proposed bill aims to enhance environmental justice in Washington by addressing disparities in cumulative environmental and health impacts. It introduces new sections to chapter 43.21C RCW, mandating the Department of Ecology to incorporate environmental justice as a key element in environmental assessments and checklists. Specifically, the bill requires lead agencies to consider environmental justice alongside other environmental factors and to develop mitigation guidance for potential adverse impacts. The definition of "environmental justice" is aligned with existing law in RCW 70A.02.010.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the obligations for lead agencies regarding environmental justice assessments are supplementary to the existing responsibilities of covered agencies under chapter 70A.02 RCW. Covered agencies are permitted to utilize environmental justice assessments from that chapter to meet the new requirements. Importantly, the bill stipulates that if specific funding for its implementation is not allocated by June 30, 2025, it will become null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.15.2210