TagEnvironmental Justice(63)
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2025-02-24Trump administration environmental-justice-related executive orders: potential implications for EPA programs
This Congressional Research Service report explains how President Trump's 2025 executive orders revoked earlier Clinton and Biden administration environmental justice policies and directed federal agencies, including the EPA, to close environmental justice offices and end related programs. The report outlines which specific EPA programs and activities may be affected, such as grant programs, screening tools, and interagency councils. It also notes that while the executive orders change agency priorities, they do not override existing federal pollution control laws that Congress has established. -
2025-02-12Substitute House Bill 1303: Increasing environmental justice by improving government decisions
Washington State Substitute House Bill 1303 requires the Department of Ecology to add environmental justice as a formal element of environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), including updates to environmental checklists and impact assessments. The bill directs the agency to develop standardized mitigation measures for potential environmental justice impacts, which must be factored into project threshold determinations. These new requirements are intended to reduce disparate environmental and health burdens on overburdened communities across Washington State. -
SB 5652 Introduction: Reducing Environmental and Health Disparities in Large Port Districts
Senate Bill 5652, sponsored by Senator Orwall, relates to reducing environmental and health disparities and improving the health of Washington State residents in large port districts, adding a new chapter to Title 53 RCW. The bill defines terms including 'qualifying port district' as one authorized to undertake aircraft noise abatement programs under RCW 53.54.010, directly relevant to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy. -
2025-01-29Bill request S-0809.1/25: Reducing environmental and health disparities and improving the health of Washington state residents in large port districts
This proposed Washington State bill would require large port districts — such as those operating major airports like Sea-Tac — to develop and adopt environmental justice implementation plans aimed at reducing health and environmental disparities in surrounding communities. The plans must include specific goals, measurable metrics, community engagement strategies, and timelines for incorporating environmental justice considerations into port activities. It also establishes oversight for major capital projects valued at $8 million or more, or any actions that increase the number of airport gates. -
2025-01-28Multiple agency fiscal note summary: HB 1303 Environmental Justice
House Bill 1303, titled 'Environmental Justice,' is a Washington State legislative proposal whose fiscal note estimates total operating expenditures of approximately $21.3 million across multiple state agencies for the 2025–27 biennium, with similar costs projected through 2031. The largest spending impacts fall on the Department of Natural Resources (~$17.8 million) and the Department of Ecology, while agencies such as the Administrative Office of the Courts report no fiscal impact. Several agencies, including the Department of Transportation and State Parks and Recreation Commission, report non-zero but indeterminate costs that require further review. -
2025-01-23Bill analysis: HB 1303 — Increasing environmental justice by improving government decisions
HB 1303 is a Washington State bill focused on environmental justice, not Sea-Tac Airport noise policy. It proposes adding environmental justice considerations to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process and prohibiting certain air pollution permits in overburdened communities. This document does not contain relevant content for a Sea-Tac Airport noise policy archive. -
2025-01-21Senate Bill 5380: Increasing environmental justice by improving government decisions
Washington Senate Bill 5380 (2025) requires state agencies to evaluate environmental justice impacts when reviewing permits for industrial or potentially harmful projects located in pollution-burdened communities. It mandates the completion of an Environmental Justice Impact Statement and a public hearing within affected communities before project approvals can move forward. The bill aims to reduce cumulative environmental and health disparities across Washington State. -
2025-01-15House Bill 1303 – Environmental Justice in Government Decisions
House Bill 1303 (H-0468.2), introduced in the Washington State 69th Legislature's 2025 Regular Session by Representatives Mena, Berry, Reeves, Reed, Ormsby, Salahuddin, Ramel, Pollet, Nance, Doglio, and Scott, proposes to increase environmental justice by improving government decisions, amending RCW 70A.15.2210, and adding new sections to chapter 43.21C RCW. The bill directs the Department of Ecology to add environmental justice as an element within SEPA environmental review rules (WAC 197-11-444 and WAC 197-11-960), and was referred to the Committee on Environment & Energy on January 15, 2025. -
2025-01-01SB 5652 Cover Page — Washington State 69th Legislature 2025 Session
Senate Bill 5652, introduced by Senator Orwall in Washington State's 69th Legislature during the 2025 Regular Session, proposes reducing environmental and health disparities in large port districts by adding a new chapter to Title 53 RCW. The bill defines key terms including 'qualifying port district' as one authorized to undertake aircraft noise abatement programs under RCW 53.54.010, directly relevant to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy. -
2025-01-01Green Burien Partnership 2025 snapshot
The Green Burien Partnership 2025 Snapshot highlights the City of Burien's urban forestry and environmental stewardship efforts, including planting 607 trees on city property, distributing over 800 free trees to the community, and protecting 516 trees during development. The program, funded entirely through external grants and partnerships with organizations like King Conservation District, also engaged youth and volunteers through 12 community events and a paid youth stewardship program at Hilltop Park. Burien was recognized in 2025 as an Evergreen Community with 25 years as Tree City USA and 8 years of Growth Award.