Ecology 2302020

Focus on: Improving Air Quality in Overburdened Communities We understand many communities in Washington experience air pollution. Under the Climate Commitment Act, Ecology is working on an initiative to reduce “criteria” air pollution in the Washington communities it most affects. Criteria air pollutants are six common substances known to harm human health and the environment: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution, and sulfur dioxide. Communities identified Using multiple sources of air quality data and environmental justice information, we have identified 16 areas of the state containing multiple overburdened communities, neighborhoods, and towns that are highly impacted by criteria air pollution. The places are a mix of urban, suburban, and rural. They vary greatly in population, from about 1,500 to more than 200,000 people. They also range vastly in area, from less than 3 square miles to 173 square miles. Collectively, they represent more than 1.2 million people, or about 15.5% of Washington’s population. We heard from Tribes, the public, members of the Environmental Justice Council, and other environmental justice advocates about identifying the people and places in Washington that are overburdened and highly impacted by criteria air pollution. We have not yet included any Tribal communities in this initiative. We are continuing to consult with Tribal governments and anticipate adding Tribal communities soon. This list is intended for the purposes outlined in the environmental justice review1 section of the Climate Commitment Act. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70A.65.020 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.leg.wa.gov%2FRCW%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fcite%3D70A.65.020&data=05%7C01%7Cmfor461%40ECY.WA.GOV%7C4a034d91e10a4a6a6a0408dbc6b50867%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C638322253046195659%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=epeEFdwyHeKGqTi5cDwADAYWiQhH4XHlvM9q3RF5kfo%3D&reserved=0 Air Quality Program
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