Espaol
Too often, communities most directly and frequently affected by environmental health risks in the state lack clear and effective mechanisms to address this injustice. This council is a forum where these communities are able to voice their concerns and inform the state’s efforts to address environmental injustice.
Purpose and Responsibilities
The purpose of the Environmental Justice Council (EJC) is to advise agencies on how to integrate environmental justice into their activities. The following are the specific duties of the council:
- Recommendations to the state about implementing environmental justice requirements like community engagement plans, environmental justice assessment, and strategic planning.
- Develop guidance for identifying overburdened communities, and how to use the environmental health disparities map.
- You can track progress towards increasing health equity and ensuring justice for the environment throughout Washington.
- Provide recommendations for the development and implementation climate programs, including programs that are funded from carbon revenues.
- Serve as a forum to discuss environmental justice issues and prioritize.
- Recommendations to the governor or legislature about actions that advance environmental justice
Authority
Engrossed second substitute bill for the Senate 5141The law was signed on May 17, 2021. It directs that the Department of Health convene and staff an Environmental Justice Council. The law defines the duties and membership of the council, as well as the reporting requirements to the Legislature.
Membership
The governor will appoint 16 members to the council. The council includes 16 members, including community representatives, youth community representatives, environmental justice practitioners, tribes and labor and business representatives. If you are interested in being considered to be appointed to the council, please visit the Website of Governor’s Boards and Commissions. Non-voting liaisons will be provided by one executive from each covered agency. The Department of Health will staff the council and must convene the first meeting by January 1, 2022.
Contact
Environmental Justice Council Manager, 360-236-4238
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Related Resources
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice Task Force
Environmental Justice Factsheet (PDF)