Addressing environmental injustice in Washington State requires collaboration. The Environmental Justice Council, comprised of key environmental partners, plays a vital role in ensuring equitable environmental health outcomes for all communities. This council serves as a critical platform for communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards to voice their concerns and inform state policies.
The Role of Environmental Partners in Promoting Justice
The Environmental Justice Council acts as a central hub for environmental partners, advising state agencies on integrating environmental justice principles into their operations. The council’s core responsibilities include:
- Providing Recommendations: Offering guidance to the state on implementing environmental justice requirements, such as assessments, community engagement strategies, and comprehensive plans. This ensures policies reflect the needs of impacted communities.
- Defining Overburdened Communities: Developing criteria for identifying overburdened communities and utilizing the environmental health disparities map to pinpoint areas requiring focused attention.
- Monitoring Progress: Tracking advancements in health equity and environmental justice across Washington State, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
- Guiding Climate Programs: Providing recommendations on the design and execution of climate initiatives, particularly those financed by carbon revenue, aligning climate action with environmental justice goals.
- Facilitating Dialogue: Serving as a forum for open discussion on environmental justice concerns and priorities, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
- Advising Policymakers: Recommending actions to the Governor and Legislature that promote environmental justice and address systemic inequities.
Seven key state agencies, whose policies and programs significantly impact environmental justice, must adhere to the HEAL Act: the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Ecology, Health, Natural Resources, Transportation, and the Puget Sound Partnership. This coordinated approach ensures comprehensive integration of environmental justice principles. Other agencies are also encouraged to voluntarily comply with the HEAL Act, further broadening the network of environmental partners.
The Foundation for Environmental Partnerships
The Environmental Justice Council was established under Chapter 70A.02 RCW, signed into law in May 2021. This legislation mandates the Department of Health to convene and support the council, outlining its membership structure, duties, and reporting obligations to the Legislature. This legal framework provides a solid foundation for the council’s work and ensures its long-term sustainability.
The council is composed of 16 governor-appointed members, representing a diverse range of stakeholders, including community representatives, a youth representative, environmental justice practitioners, tribal representatives, labor, and businesses. This diverse membership ensures a broad range of perspectives are considered in the council’s deliberations.
Executive-level liaisons from each covered agency also participate as non-voting members, fostering communication and collaboration between the council and relevant state entities. Individuals interested in contributing to environmental justice in Washington can apply to serve on the council through the Governor’s Boards and Commissions website.
Strengthening Environmental Partnerships for a Healthier Future
The Environmental Justice Council, through its collaborative efforts and diverse partnerships, is working to ensure a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents of Washington State. By centering the voices of impacted communities and advocating for policy changes, the council strives to create a future where environmental justice is a reality. For further information on the council’s activities and related resources, please refer to the contact information and links provided below.
Learn more about Environmental Justice in Washington.
Contact the Environmental Justice Council Manager at 360-584-4398 or subscribe to their email list for updates.
