The bill aims to reduce environmental and health disparities in Washington state, particularly within large port districts, by mandating the development of environmental justice implementation plans. Qualifying port districts are required to incorporate these plans into their strategic documents, outlining specific goals and actions to address environmental and health disparities, as well as metrics for tracking progress. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of equitable community engagement, requiring port districts to create community engagement plans that prioritize the involvement of overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the bill establishes requirements for qualifying port districts when considering significant port actions, including obtaining assessments of potential cumulative impacts on affected communities and developing action plans to mitigate adverse effects. The legislation also allows port districts to allocate funds for remediation and mitigation efforts related to environmental impacts, ensuring that resources are directed towards addressing the needs of overburdened communities. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance environmental justice and promote equitable outcomes in port district activities.