The bill aims to facilitate land use development within urban growth areas in Washington State, particularly when shrubsteppe vegetation is present. It emphasizes that only a small percentage of the state's land falls within urban growth boundaries, and the legislature seeks to promote intense development in these areas to support affordable housing and other necessary developments. The bill asserts that shrubsteppe ecosystems, typically associated with wildlife, do not function as such within urban growth areas due to the presence of human infrastructure. It argues that the removal of shrubsteppe vegetation poses a negligible environmental impact and is necessary to mitigate wildfire risks in urban settings.

Key provisions of the bill include a new section that explicitly states that properties within urban growth area boundaries containing shrubsteppe vegetation cannot be classified as wildlife habitat or critical areas, thus allowing for unrestricted development. It prohibits state and local agencies from imposing requirements for the replacement or protection of shrubsteppe plants and shrubs, including specific species listed in the bill. This legislative change is intended to streamline development processes and reduce costs and delays associated with environmental regulations, ultimately supporting the state's housing goals.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.70A.110