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Senate Bill 5652: Reducing Environmental and Health Disparities in Large Port Districts

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SB5652

Washington Senate Bill 5652 requires large port districts, such as the Port of Seattle, to develop and adopt environmental justice implementation plans and community engagement plans by January 1, 2026. These plans must outline how the port will reduce environmental and health disparities in overburdened communities, particularly those affected by aircraft noise, and ensure meaningful participation from vulnerable populations in port decision-making. The bill also mandates compliance with federal civil rights laws and requires the use of screening tools to assess the health and demographic impacts of major port actions valued at $8 million or more.

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Washington State Senate Bill 5652 (SB5652), introduced by Senator Orwall in the 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session, adds a new chapter to Title 53 RCW requiring qualifying port districts (those authorized under RCW 53.54.010 to undertake aircraft noise abatement programs) to develop environmental justice implementation plans and community engagement plans. The bill defines ‘significant port action’ as capital improvement projects of $8,000,000 or more or actions increasing airport gates, and incorporates definitions from RCW 70A.02.010 including overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, cumulative environmental health impact, and environmental harm. Qualifying port districts must create community engagement plans by January 1, 2026, comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Executive Order 05-03, and Executive Order 13166, and consider guidance from the environmental justice council under RCW 70A.02.110.

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