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. It requires lead agencies to evaluate potentially impactful projects, especially in pollution-burdened communities, and to prepare an environmental justice impact statement that assesses existing environmental stressors, public health impacts, and community engagement strategies. The bill emphasizes public participation by requiring hearings in affected communities and mandates that project proponents demonstrate mitigation strategies for adverse cumulative stressors or justify the project's public interest if such impacts cannot be avoided.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for assessing and mitigating environmental and public health impacts of projects, particularly in vulnerable areas. It prohibits lead agencies from considering economic benefits in project approvals and clarifies that they must adhere to existing environmental laws. The bill also restricts notice of construction approvals for new air contaminant sources in high-exposure census tracts, with exceptions for national security and clean energy projects. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure equitable environmental decision-making and enhance accountability in evaluating projects that may disproportionately affect communities facing environmental and health challenges.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.15.2210