Bill > SB5380

This bill aims to increase environmental justice by improving government decisions related to potentially impactful projects in pollution-burdened communities. The legislation requires lead agencies to conduct comprehensive environmental justice impact statements for certain projects located in communities with high environmental health disparities. These statements must systematically assess existing environmental and public health stressors, analyze potential adverse impacts of proposed projects, and include detailed community engagement processes. The bill mandates that lead agencies cannot approve projects that would create disproportionate environmental impacts in these communities, and must consider alternative locations or mitigation measures. Key provisions include requiring public hearings in the affected community, publishing detailed impact assessments, and allowing community input before project approval. The bill defines "pollution burdened communities" as areas ranked seven or higher on an environmental health disparities map, and "potentially impactful projects" include major sources of air pollution, industrial facilities, waste management sites, and other significant environmental contributors. Notably, the legislation prohibits considering economic benefits when evaluating project impacts and focuses instead on environmental and public health considerations. The bill's purpose is explicitly stated as reducing disparities in environmental and health impacts and improving the health of all Washington residents.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5380&Year=2025&Initiative=false