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Focus on: Improving Air Quality in Overburdened Communities

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Washington State's Department of Ecology has identified 16 overburdened communities across the state that are highly impacted by criteria air pollution, collectively representing over 1.2 million residents. Using air quality data and environmental justice tools, the agency is working under the Climate Commitment Act to reduce six key pollutants — including particle pollution, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide — in areas ranging from South Seattle and South King County to rural communities like Mattawa and the Lower Yakima Valley. Next steps include expanding air monitoring, engaging affected communities, and working with Tribal governments to address pollution impacts over multiple years.

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Washington State Department of Ecology Air Quality Program publication (Publication 23-02-020, March 2023) identifying 16 overburdened communities highly impacted by criteria air pollutants under the Climate Commitment Act (RCW 70A.65.020). Criteria pollutants include PM2.5, PM10, ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The 16 identified communities are: Ellensburg, Everett, George and West Grant County, South King County, Mattawa, Moxee Valley, Northeast Puyallup, North Seattle and Shoreline, South Seattle, Spokane and Spokane Valley, South and East Tacoma, Tri-Cities to Wallula, Vancouver, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, East Yakima, and Lower Yakima Valley. Communities were identified using the Washington Environmental Health Disparities map and EPA EJScreen, with consideration of historic redlining, health disparities, and environmental justice factors. Collectively representing over 1.2 million people (15.5% of Washington’s population). Contact: Susan Woodward, susan.woodward@ecy.wa.gov.

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