TagSB5652(31)

Multiple Agency Fiscal Note Summary for Senate Bill 5652 regarding environment/port districts, showing estimated costs and expenditures across multiple state agencies. The University of Washington shows costs of $506,650 per biennium for 2.0 FTEs, while other agencies show no fiscal impact.

Washington Senate Bill 5652 would require large port districts — primarily the Port of Seattle, which operates Sea-Tac Airport — to develop environmental justice plans, community engagement strategies, and impact assessments aimed at reducing health and environmental disparities for residents affected by airport and port operations. For major capital projects valued at $8 million or more, or any action adding airport gates, the port would need an independent assessment from the University of Washington on cumulative health impacts to overburdened communities, along with a plan to mitigate those impacts. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology.

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.