Public comment opportunity related to environmental justice assessments by state agencies



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may 12, 2023

*Public comment opportunity*

*"Healthy Environment For All (HEAL) Act"*

Seeking input related to environmental justice assessments by state agencies

Passed in 2021, the Healthy Environment For All (HEAL) Act addresses several recommendations from the Environmental Justice Task Force,? including:


* Incorporating environmental justice principles and practices throughout government operations and service delivery
* Establishing transparency and accountability to communities
* Creating pathways for equitable community and tribal engagement in government decision making that seeks to improve the health of Washington state residents.?

One of the core elements of the HEAL Act requires covered agencies to conduct environmental justice assessments on significant agency actions (SAAs) [ [link removed] ] beginning July 1, 2023.

*What our agency is doing?*

Agencies are authorized to designate additional SAA?s, as actions that may cause environmental harm or may affect the equitable distribution of environmental benefits to an overburdened community or a vulnerable population.

Commerce intends to adopt one additional SAA to create a pathway that encourages programs to opt-in to HEAL activities that wouldn?t otherwise be required to do so under the statutorily defined SAA categories.

Public comment opportunities

* *Informational webinar - Wednesday, May 17, 12 p.m.
*Please join us for an informational webinar at Noon on May 17, 2023. We will be taking public comments about our additional proposed additional SAA.
Register to attend the May 17 webinar [ [link removed] ]
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
* *Submit written comments*
Email your input to [email protected]?
or?mail to:
Jennifer Grove
Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 42525
Olympia, WA 98504-2525

*Questions?*

Please feel free to?email our HEAL implementation team. <[email protected]>?

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About Commerce

Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department?s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

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