Washington House Bill 1948 (2025) would require large port districts — such as the Port of Seattle, which operates Sea-Tac Airport — to develop environmental justice implementation plans and community engagement plans aimed at reducing health and environmental disparities for overburdened communities affected by airport noise and other port activities. The bill mandates that these plans include specific goals, measurable metrics, and outreach strategies to ensure meaningful participation from vulnerable populations, including people with limited English proficiency. Port districts would also be required to conduct environmental justice reviews for major capital projects valued at $8 million or more, or any action that increases the number of airport gates.Open full document
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Washington State House Bill 1948 introduced in the 2025 legislative session, relating to reducing environmental and health disparities and improving the health of Washington state residents in large port districts. The bill requires qualifying port districts to include environmental justice implementation plans and community engagement plans in their strategic planning.