Equity for Washington's Air Quality & Climate Commitments

• In Event: Environmental Justice

Abstract

In 2021, Washington State made environmental justice history. Passing both the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) law and Climate Commitment Act (CCA), our state embarked on a pathway to achieving climate justice. Combining a cap-and-invest decarbonization policy with significant Environmental Justice (EJ) efforts, some observers lauded our “Evergreen State” commitments to equity. Others expressed disappointment. We see both sides. The CCA created opportunities while ignoring persistent limitations in Washington air quality policy. In a collaboration between Western Washington University (WWU) and The Nature Conservancy in Washington (TNCWA), we addressed these questions using data from the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and the Risk Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) model. Which states achieved the best air quality and climate justice results? What and where were the biggest gaps? Which policies helped those state leaders achieve EJ progress? We identified three leading states for air toxic pollution reductions: California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. All required industrial polluters to develop plans to reduce toxic air pollution. Some required polluters to also assess risks potentially impacting neighboring communities. Finally, our fourth question looked beyond the CCA. How can Washington develop a cumulative impact approach to air quality? Our southern neighbor’s “Cleaner Air Oregon” developed the most advanced regulations to address toxic air pollution disparities. Polluters instead of communities must now prove they are safe for their neighbors. If they aren’t safe enough, polluters must develop toxic chemical reduction plans. Following Oregon and other state leaders will be essential for Washington to meet its 2021 equity commitments in air quality and climate justice.

Author

• Troy D. Abel, Western Washington University