Environmental justice assessments

Washington state’s environmental justice law, the Healthy Environment for All or HEAL Act, directs WSDOT to reduce unfair differences in the environment and health of some communities. WSDOT is also charged with improving the health of all residents in the state.

One way WSDOT puts this into action is by conducting environmental justice (EJ) assessments when considering projects, including:

• New transportation projects costing more than $15 million.
• New transportation grants or loans awarded that are over $15 million.
• Significant legislative rulemaking efforts.
• New grant or loan programs.
• Legislation requested by WSDOT.

By making the effects of different actions clear, EJ assessments help WSDOT make decisions about how its work should proceed. Communities likely to be affected by WSDOT projects are involved in determining impacts, and options for reducing harms and distributing benefits fairly. This approach aligns with assessment expectations collaboratively developed by the HEAL Act Interagency Work Group.

WSDOT will consider expanding the types of projects EJ assessments are applied to, within agency decision-making processes. WSDOT strives to continuously improve EJ assessment processes through lessons learned in practice and guidance given by the Environmental Justice Council. If there is anything you would like to share or  ongoing agency efforts you want to be involved in, please connect via email at  environmentaljustice@wsdot.wa.gov

The table below provides details for ongoing and completed EJ assessments

Environmental justice assessments

We invite you to share your thoughts on what types of actions should receive an assessment, and how we might improve our assessment process. Please email EnvironmentalJustice@wsdot.wa.gov.