BILL · 2021–22 SESSION · LATEST VERSION E2SSB 5141
SB 5141: Env. justice task force recs
Reducing environmental and health disparities and improving the health of all Washington state residents by implementing the recommendations of the environmental justice task force.
Summary
Requires the Puget Sound Partnership and the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Ecology, Health, Natural Resources, and Transportation (covered agencies) to complete environmental justice assessments when considering significant agency actions and to incorporate environmental justice principles into agency budget and fiscal processes.
Encourages other state agencies to apply the principles of environmental justice in the implementation of their agency functions, and authorizes other state agencies to opt in to the environmental justice requirements applicable to covered agencies.
Requires covered agencies to create and adopt a community engagement plan for engaging with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations in the evaluation of existing and new programs and activities.
Requires covered agencies to develop a consultation framework in coordination with tribal governments and to offer consultation with Indian tribes on certain activities.
Establishes an Environmental Justice Council with specified membership, staffed by the Department of Health (DOH), and which is assigned specified advisory and oversight responsibilities for covered agencies' implementation of environmental justice activities.
Requires the DOH to continue to develop and maintain an environmental health disparities map.
From the Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill Report (E2SSB 5141), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
AN ACT Relating to reducing environmental and health disparities and improving the health of all Washington state residents by implementing the recommendations of the environmental justice task force;