Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Select Committee on Environmental Health

HB 1355

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Incorporating human health analysis into environmental review under chapter 43.21C RCW.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Campbell, Hasegawa and Morrell.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Incorporates an analysis of a proposed project's impact on human health into the environmental impact statement and detailed statement requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act.

Hearing Date: 1/30/07

Staff: Amy McCormick (786-7290).

Background:

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires local governments and state agencies to prepare a detailed statement, or environmental impact statement (EIS), if proposed legislation or other major action may have a probable significant, adverse impact on the environment. The responsible official has authority to make the threshold determination whether an environmental impact statement must be prepared. Some exceptions to the requirements of SEPA have been authorized. If the proposed project is categorically exempted, no further environmental review is needed. If the proposed project is not exempt, an environmental checklist must be prepared to address the project's potential impacts on the environment. The elements of the environment that will be evaluated include earth, air, water, plants, animals, energy, environmental health, land use, transportation, public services, and utilities.

If it appears that the proposal is unlikely to have a significant adverse environmental impact, the agency will issue a determination of non-significance. If it appears that a probable significant adverse environmental impact may result, the proposal may be altered or its probable significant adverse impact mitigated. If this cannot be accomplished, a detailed statement or environmental impact statement is prepared.

Summary of Bill:

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires local governments and state agencies to prepare detailed statements or environmental impact statements, if proposed legislation or other major action may have a probable significant, adverse impact on the environment, as well as human health. A project may be conditioned to mitigate specific adverse environmental and human health impacts according to SEPA requirements. Human health includes the consideration of physical, mental, economic, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.