"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:
(a) Washington is a state of great beauty and natural resources. It is vital to preserve these resources to ensure that future generations can benefit and enjoy the state's abundance. Washington has long been a national and international leader in environmental stewardship, including air and water quality protection and natural resource conservation. It is the objective of the legislature to maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the state's water, air, and other natural resources to protect human health and the environment for all Washingtonians.
(b) Washington is home to a rich and diverse economy including aerospace, construction, farming, fishing, logging, manufacturing, mining, ranching, technology, and many other industries. These industries drive Washington's vibrant economy and have helped improve the quality of life for many in Washington. Washingtonians and our businesses care deeply about the state's environment and work hard to comply with environmental regulations to ensure a safe and sustainable environment. It is vital to the future of Washington to continue to have robust agricultural and industrial sectors to promote prosperity for all Washingtonians.
(c) Environmental violations can cause significant harm to human health and the environment that can last for generations. Effective enforcement of environmental laws includes criminal enforcement for the most egregious violations of environmental statutes and regulations. The availability of criminal enforcement of environmental laws deters bad actors because environmental crimes are often deliberately committed to enhance profit, avoid cost, or achieve a competitive advantage against businesses that follow environmental laws and regulations.
(2) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to prohibit acts that are completed knowingly or represent a gross deviation from a reasonable standard of care and not to penalize accidents or mistakes that occur in the normal course of business through no fault of an operator.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter
90.48 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the first degree if the person knowingly violates any provisions of this chapter or chapter
90.56 RCW, or any permit issued under this chapter or Title 33 of the United States Code, and the person knows at the time that the conduct constituting the violation places another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct as described in RCW
9.94A.589.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the first degree is a class B felony punishable according to chapter
9A.20 RCW.
(5) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(6) It is an affirmative defense to a crime charged pursuant to this section, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant:
(a) Did not know the conduct was unlawful;
(b) Acted within the scope of their employment; and
(c) Engaged in the otherwise unlawful conduct under orders from the employer.
(7) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Imminent danger" means that there is a substantial likelihood that harm will be experienced should the danger not be eliminated.
(b) "Knows" or "knowingly" have the same meaning as "knowledge" provided in RCW
9A.08.010.
(c) "Substantial bodily harm" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.04.110.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter
90.48 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the second degree if the person, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of this chapter in the first degree, knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter
90.56 RCW, or any permit issued under this chapter or Title 33 of the United States Code.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct as described in RCW
9.94A.589.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the second degree is a class C felony punishable according to chapter
9A.20 RCW.
(5) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(6) It is an affirmative defense to a crime charged pursuant to this section, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant:
(a) Did not know the conduct was unlawful;
(b) Acted within the scope of their employment; and
(c) Engaged in the otherwise unlawful conduct under orders from the employer.
(7) For the purposes of this section, "knowingly" has the same meaning as "knowledge" provided in RCW
9A.08.010.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter
90.48 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the third degree if the person, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of this chapter in the first or second degree, while acting with criminal negligence, violates any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter
90.56 RCW, or any permit issued under this chapter or Title 33 of the United States Code.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and costs of prosecution, by imprisonment in the county jail for up to 364 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
(5) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(6) For the purposes of this section, "criminal negligence" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.08.010.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter
90.48 RCW to read as follows:
It is contrary to public policy to terminate or discipline an employee for refusing to violate this chapter, or for providing information about a violation of this chapter to a supervisor or government agency.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A new section is added to chapter
90.48 RCW to read as follows:
(1) Within existing resources, the department shall prepare information about the criminal penalty provisions in this chapter, as well as the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions, and make such information available on a website maintained by the department.
(2) Whenever the department issues a new permit or renews an existing permit under this chapter, the department shall provide the applicant with information about the criminal penalty provisions in this chapter and the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions.
Sec. 7. RCW
70A.15.1030 and 2024 c 280 s 2 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Air contaminant" or "air pollutant" means dust, fumes, mist, smoke, other particulate matter, vapor, gas, odorous substance, or any combination thereof.
(2) "Air pollution" is presence in the outdoor atmosphere of one or more air contaminants in sufficient quantities and of such characteristics and duration as is, or is likely to be, injurious to human health, plant or animal life, or property, or which unreasonably interfere with enjoyment of life and property. For the purpose of this chapter, air pollution shall not include air contaminants emitted in compliance with chapter
17.21 RCW.
(3) "Air quality standard" means an established concentration, exposure time, and frequency of occurrence of an air contaminant or multiple contaminants in the ambient air which shall not be exceeded.
(4) "Ambient air" means the surrounding outside air.
(5) "Authority" means any air pollution control agency whose jurisdictional boundaries are coextensive with the boundaries of one or more counties.
(6) "Best available control technology" (BACT) means an emission limitation based on the maximum degree of reduction for each air pollutant subject to regulation under this chapter emitted from or that results from any new or modified stationary source, that the permitting authority, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account energy, environmental, and economic impacts and other costs, determines is achievable for such a source or modification through application of production processes and available methods, systems, and techniques, including fuel cleaning, clean fuels, or treatment or innovative fuel combustion techniques for control of each such a pollutant. In no event shall application of "best available control technology" result in emissions of any pollutants that will exceed the emissions allowed by any applicable standard under 40 C.F.R. Part 60 and Part 61, as they exist on July 25, 1993, or their later enactments as adopted by reference by the director by rule. Emissions from any source utilizing clean fuels, or any other means, to comply with this subsection shall not be allowed to increase above levels that would have been required under the definition of BACT as it existed prior to enactment of the federal clean air act amendments of 1990.
(7) "Best available retrofit technology" (BART) means an emission limitation based on the degree of reduction achievable through the application of the best system of continuous emission reduction for each pollutant that is emitted by an existing stationary facility. The emission limitation must be established, on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the technology available, the costs of compliance, the energy and nonair quality environmental impacts of compliance, any pollution control equipment in use or in existence at the source, the remaining useful life of the source, and the degree of improvement in visibility that might reasonably be anticipated to result from the use of the technology.
(8) "Board" means the board of directors of an authority.
(9) "Control officer" means the air pollution control officer of any authority.
(10) "Department" or "ecology" means the department of ecology.
(11) "Emission" means a release of air contaminants into the ambient air.
(12) "Emission standard" and "emission limitation" mean a requirement established under the federal clean air act or this chapter that limits the quantity, rate, or concentration of emissions of air contaminants on a continuous basis, including any requirement relating to the operation or maintenance of a source to assure continuous emission reduction, and any design, equipment, work practice, or operational standard adopted under the federal clean air act or this chapter.
(13) "Fine particulate" means particulates with a diameter of two and one-half microns and smaller.
(14) "Flame cap kiln" means an outdoor container used for the combustion of natural vegetation from silvicultural or agricultural activities that meets the following requirements:
(a) Has a solid or sealed bottom including, but not limited to, mineral soils, so that all air for combustion comes from above;
(b) Is completely open on top with no restrictions;
(c) Is a shallow container where the width is greater than the height; and
(d) Has a volume of 10 cubic meters or less.
(15)(a) "Lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER) means for any source that rate of emissions that reflects:
(i) The most stringent emission limitation that is contained in the implementation plan of any state for such class or category of source, unless the owner or operator of the proposed source demonstrates that such limitations are not achievable; or
(ii) The most stringent emission limitation that is achieved in practice by such class or category of source, whichever is more stringent.
(b) In no event shall the application of this term permit a proposed new or modified source to emit any pollutant in excess of the amount allowable under applicable new source performance standards.
(16) "Modification" means any physical change in, or change in the method of operation of, a stationary source that increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such source or that results in the emission of any air contaminant not previously emitted. The term modification shall be construed consistent with the definition of modification in Section 7411, Title 42, United States Code, and with rules implementing that section.
(17) "Multicounty authority" means an authority which consists of two or more counties.
(18) "New source" means (a) the construction or modification of a stationary source that increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such source or that results in the emission of any air contaminant not previously emitted, and (b) any other project that constitutes a new source under the federal clean air act.
(19) "Permit program source" means a source required to apply for or to maintain an operating permit under RCW
70A.15.2260.
(20) "Person" means an individual, firm, public or private corporation, association, partnership, political subdivision of the state, municipality, or governmental agency.
(21) "Reasonably available control technology" (RACT) means the lowest emission limit that a particular source or source category is capable of meeting by the application of control technology that is reasonably available considering technological and economic feasibility. RACT is determined on a case-by-case basis for an individual source or source category taking into account the impact of the source upon air quality, the availability of additional controls, the emission reduction to be achieved by additional controls, the impact of additional controls on air quality, and the capital and operating costs of the additional controls. RACT requirements for a source or source category shall be adopted only after notice and opportunity for comment are afforded.
(22) "Silvicultural burning" means burning of wood fiber on forestland or combustion of natural vegetation from silvicultural activities consistent with the provisions of RCW
70A.15.5120.
(23) "Source" means all of the emissions units including quantifiable fugitive emissions, that are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under the control of the same person, or persons under common control, whose activities are ancillary to the production of a single product or functionally related group of products.
(24) "Stationary source" means any building, structure, facility, or installation that emits or may emit any air contaminant.
(25) "Trigger level" means the ambient level of fine particulates, measured in micrograms per cubic meter, that must be detected prior to initiating a first or second stage of impaired air quality under RCW
70A.15.3580.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter
70A.15 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the first degree if the person knowingly releases into the ambient air any substance adopted by rule by the department as a hazardous or toxic air pollutant, other than in compliance with the terms of an applicable permit or emission limit, and the person knows at the time that he or she thereby places:
(a) Another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm; or
(b) Any property of another person, or any natural resources owned by the state of Washington, or any of its local governments, in imminent danger of harm.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct as described in RCW
9.94A.589.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the first degree is a class B felony punishable according to chapter
9A.20 RCW.
(5) Nothing in this section shall apply to:
(a) Activities permitted by the department of natural resources under RCW
70A.15.5120(1);
(b) Conditions meeting the exemption under RCW
70A.15.4530(1);
(c) Air pollutants emitted in compliance with chapter
17.21 RCW; or
(d) Outdoor burning in compliance with permits issued by a state or local authority to reduce wildfire risk, to improve ecosystem health and resiliency, or to restore native plant communities on prairie, grassland, or shrub-steppe landscapes.
(6) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(7) It is an affirmative defense to a crime charged pursuant to this section, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant:
(a) Did not know the conduct was unlawful;
(b) Acted within the scope of their employment; and
(c) Engaged in the otherwise unlawful conduct under orders from the employer.
(8) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Air pollutant" does not include:
(i) An odorous substance unless it is adopted by rule by the department as hazardous or toxic; or
(ii) Ammonia emissions resulting from the storage, distribution, transport, or application of ammonia for use as an agricultural or silvicultural fertilizer as described in RCW
70A.15.4540.
(b) "Imminent danger" means that there is a substantial likelihood that harm will be experienced should the danger not be eliminated.
(c) "Knows" or "knowingly" have the same meaning as "knowledge" provided in RCW
9A.08.010.
(d) "Substantial bodily harm" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.04.110.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter
70A.15 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the second degree if the person, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of this chapter in the first degree:
(a) Knowingly violates any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter
70A.25, 70A.60, or
70A.535 RCW, or any ordinance, resolution, or regulation in force pursuant thereto; or
(b) While acting with criminal negligence, releases into the ambient air any substance adopted by rule by the department as a hazardous or toxic air pollutant, other than in compliance with the terms of an applicable permit or emission limit, and:
(i) Places another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm; or
(ii) Places any property of another person, or any natural resources owned by the state of Washington, or any of its local governments, in imminent danger of harm.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct as described in RCW
9.94A.589.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the second degree is a class C felony punishable according to chapter
9A.20 RCW.
(5) Nothing in this section shall apply to:
(a) Activities permitted by the department of natural resources under RCW
70A.15.5120(1);
(b) Conditions meeting the exemption under RCW
70A.15.4530(1);
(c) Air pollutants emitted in compliance with chapter
17.21 RCW; or
(d) Outdoor burning in compliance with permits issued by a state or local authority to reduce wildfire risk, to improve ecosystem health and resiliency, or to restore native plant communities on prairie, grassland, or shrub-steppe landscapes.
(6) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(7) It is an affirmative defense to a crime charged pursuant to this section, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant:
(a) Did not know the conduct was unlawful;
(b) Acted within the scope of their employment; and
(c) Engaged in the otherwise unlawful conduct under orders from the employer.
(8) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Air pollutant" does not include:
(i) An odorous substance unless it is adopted by rule by the department as hazardous or toxic; or
(ii) Ammonia emissions resulting from the storage, distribution, transport, or application of ammonia for use as an agricultural or silvicultural fertilizer as described in RCW
70A.15.4540.
(b) "Criminal negligence" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.08.010.
(c) "Imminent danger" means that there is a substantial likelihood that harm will be experienced should the danger not be eliminated.
(d) "Knowingly" has the same meaning as "knowledge" provided in RCW
9A.08.010.
(e) "Substantial bodily harm" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.04.110.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter
70A.15 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the third degree if the person, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of this chapter in the first or second degree:
(a) While acting with criminal negligence, violates any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter
70A.25, 70A.60, or
70A.535 RCW, or any ordinance, resolution, or regulation in force pursuant thereto; or
(b) Knowingly fails to disclose a potential conflict of interest under RCW
70A.15.2000.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000, by imprisonment in the county jail for up to 364 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
(5) Nothing in this section shall apply to:
(a) Activities permitted by the department of natural resources under RCW
70A.15.5120(1);
(b) Conditions meeting the exemption under RCW
70A.15.4530(1);
(c) Air pollutants emitted in compliance with chapter
17.21 RCW; or
(d) Outdoor burning in compliance with permits issued by a state or local authority to reduce wildfire risk, to improve ecosystem health and resiliency, or to restore native plant communities on prairie, grassland, or shrub-steppe landscapes.
(6) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(7) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Air pollutant" does not include:
(i) An odorous substance unless it is adopted by rule by the department as hazardous or toxic; or
(ii) Ammonia emissions resulting from the storage, distribution, transport, or application of ammonia for use as an agricultural or silvicultural fertilizer as described in RCW
70A.15.4540.
(b) "Criminal negligence" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.08.010.
(c) "Knowingly" has the same meaning as "knowledge" provided in RCW
9A.08.010.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. A new section is added to chapter
70A.15 RCW to read as follows:
It is contrary to public policy to terminate or discipline an employee for refusing to violate this chapter, or for providing information about a violation of this chapter to a supervisor or government agency.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. A new section is added to chapter
70A.15 RCW to read as follows:
(1) Within existing resources, the department shall prepare information about the criminal penalty provisions in this chapter, as well as the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions, and make such information available on a website maintained by the department.
(2) Whenever the department issues a new permit or renews an existing permit under this chapter, the department shall provide the applicant with information about the criminal penalty provisions in this chapter and the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. A new section is added to chapter
70A.300 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the first degree if the person knowingly transports, treats, stores, handles, disposes of, or exports a hazardous substance in violation of this chapter and the person knows at the time that the conduct constituting the violation:
(a) Places another person in imminent danger of death or substantial bodily harm; or
(b) Places any property of another person, any natural resources owned by the state of Washington, or any of its local governments, in imminent danger of harm.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct as described in RCW
9.94A.589.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the first degree is a class B felony punishable according to chapter
9A.20 RCW.
(5) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(6) It is an affirmative defense to a crime charged pursuant to this section, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant:
(a) Did not know the conduct was unlawful;
(b) Acted within the scope of their employment; and
(c) Engaged in the otherwise unlawful conduct under orders from the employer.
(7) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Imminent danger" means that there is a substantial likelihood that harm will be experienced should the danger not be eliminated.
(b) "Knows" or "knowingly" have the same meaning as "knowledge" provided in RCW
9A.08.010.
(c) "Substantial bodily harm" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.04.110.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. A new section is added to chapter
70A.300 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the second degree if the person, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of this chapter in the first degree, knowingly violates any provisions of this chapter, or the rules implementing this chapter.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct as described in RCW
9.94A.589.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the second degree is a class C felony punishable according to chapter
9A.20 RCW.
(5) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(6) It is an affirmative defense to a crime charged pursuant to this section, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant:
(a) Did not know the conduct was unlawful;
(b) Acted within the scope of their employment; and
(c) Engaged in the otherwise unlawful conduct under orders from the employer.
(7) For the purposes of this section, "knowingly" has the same meaning as "knowledge" provided in RCW
9A.08.010.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 15. A new section is added to chapter
70A.300 RCW to read as follows:
(1) A person is guilty of a violation of this chapter in the third degree if the person, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of this chapter in the first or second degree, while acting with criminal negligence, violates any provisions of this chapter, or the rules implementing this chapter.
(2) An entity is guilty of the offense described in subsection (1) of this section if an agent of the entity commits the offense while acting within the scope of his or her duties and on behalf of the entity.
(3) Each day upon which a violation of this section occurs may be deemed a separate and additional violation. For purposes of confinement, those separate and additional violations that are continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct.
(4) A violation of this chapter in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000, by imprisonment in the county jail for up to 364 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
(5) Conduct in compliance with the provisions of a permit, including reporting or corrective actions taken pursuant to the permit, is not considered a violation of that permit for the purposes of this section.
(6) For the purposes of this section, "criminal negligence" has the same meaning as that term is defined in RCW
9A.08.010.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. A new section is added to chapter
70A.300 RCW to read as follows:
It is contrary to public policy to terminate or discipline an employee for refusing to violate this chapter, or for providing information about a violation of this chapter to a supervisor or government agency.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 17. A new section is added to chapter
70A.300 RCW to read as follows:
(1) Within existing resources, the department shall prepare information about the criminal penalty provisions in this chapter, as well as the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions, and make such information available on a website maintained by the department.
(2) Whenever the department issues a new permit or renews an existing permit under this chapter, the department shall provide the applicant with information about the criminal penalty provisions in this chapter and the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions.
Sec. 18. RCW
9.94A.515 and 2025 c 220 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
| TABLE 2 | |
| CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL | |
XVI | | |
XV | | |
| | |
| | |
XIV | | |
| | |
XIII | | |
| Malicious placement of an explosive 1 (RCW 70.74.270(1)) | |
XII | | |
| | |
| Malicious placement of an imitation device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a)) | |
| Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor (RCW 9.68A.101) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
XI | | |
| | |
| | |
| Vehicular Homicide, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.520) | |
| Vehicular Homicide, by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.520) | |
X | | |
| | |
| Indecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a)) | |
| | |
| Leading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a)) | |
| | |
| Sexually Violent Predator Escape (RCW 9A.76.115) | |
IX | Abandonment of Dependent Person 1 (RCW 9A.42.060) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Homicide by Watercraft, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 79A.60.050) | |
| Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b)) | |
| Malicious placement of an explosive 2 (RCW 70.74.270(2)) | |
| | |
| | |
VIII | | |
| Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor (RCW 9.68A.100) | |
| Homicide by Watercraft, by the operation of any vessel in a reckless manner (RCW 79A.60.050) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
VII | Air bag diagnostic systems (causing bodily injury or death) (RCW 46.37.660(2)(b)) | |
| Air bag replacement requirements (causing bodily injury or death) (RCW 46.37.660(1)(b)) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1 (RCW 9A.44.160) | |
| Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.050(1)) | |
| | |
| | |
| Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 79A.60.050) | |
| Indecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1) (b) and (c)) | |
| | |
| Malicious placement of an explosive 3 (RCW 70.74.270(3)) | |
| Manufacture or import counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed air bag (causing bodily injury or death) (RCW 46.37.650(1)(b)) | |
| Negligently Causing Death By Use of a Signal Preemption Device (RCW 46.37.675) | |
| Sell, install, or reinstall counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed airbag (RCW 46.37.650(2)(b)) | |
| Sending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.060(1)) | |
| Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)) | |
| Use of a Machine Gun or Bump-fire Stock in Commission of a Felony (RCW 9.41.225) | |
| Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.520) | |
VI | Bail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(a)) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
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| Malicious placement of an imitation device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b)) | |
| Possession of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.070(1)) | |
| | |
| | |
| Theft from a Vulnerable Adult 1 (RCW 9A.56.400(1)) | |
| | |
V | Abandonment of Dependent Person 2 (RCW 9A.42.070) | |
| Advancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030) | |
| Air bag diagnostic systems (RCW 46.37.660(2)(c)) | |
| Air bag replacement requirements (RCW 46.37.660(1)(c)) | |
| Bail Jumping with class A Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(b)) | |
| | |
| | |
| Custodial Sexual Misconduct 2 (RCW 9A.44.170) | |
| Dealing in Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 2 (RCW 9.68A.050(2)) | |
| | |
| | |
| Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020) | |
| Extortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040) | |
| | |
| | |
| Manufacture or import counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed air bag (RCW 46.37.650(1)(c)) | |
| | |
| Persistent prison misbehavior (RCW 9.94.070) | |
| Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310) | |
| | |
| Rendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070) | |
| Sell, install, or reinstall counterfeit, nonfunctional, damaged, or previously deployed airbag (RCW 46.37.650(2)(c)) | |
| Sending, Bringing into State Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 2 (RCW 9.68A.060(2)) | |
| Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093) | |
| Sexually Violating Human Remains (RCW 9A.44.105) | |
| | |
| Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission 1 (RCW 9A.56.070) | |
IV | Animal Fighting (with intentional mutilation) (RCW 16.52.117(2)(b)) | |
| | |
| | |
| Assault 3 (of a Peace Officer with a Projectile Stun Gun) (RCW 9A.36.031(1)(h)) | |
| Assault 4 (third domestic violence offense) (RCW 9A.36.041(3)) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
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| Driving While Under the Influence (RCW 46.61.502(6)) | |
| Endangerment with a Controlled Substance (RCW 9A.42.100) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| Hit and Run with Vessel —Injury Accident (RCW 79A.60.200(3)) | |
| | |
| Indecent Exposure to Person Under Age 14 (subsequent sex offense) (RCW 9A.88.010) | |
| Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070) | |
| Physical Control of a Vehicle While Under the Influence (RCW 46.61.504(6)) | |
| Possession of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 2 (RCW 9.68A.070(2)) | |
| | |
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| | |
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| Trafficking in Catalytic Converters 1 (RCW 9A.82.190) | |
| Trafficking in Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.82.050) | |
| Unlawful factoring of a credit card or payment card transaction (RCW 9A.56.290(4)(b)) | |
| Unlawful transaction of health coverage as a health care service contractor (RCW 48.44.016(3)) | |
| Unlawful transaction of health coverage as a health maintenance organization (RCW 48.46.033(3)) | |
| Unlawful transaction of insurance business (RCW 48.15.023(3)) | |
| Unlicensed practice as an insurance professional (RCW 48.17.063(2)) | |
| Use of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2)) | |
| Vehicle Prowling 2 (third or subsequent offense) (RCW 9A.52.100(3)) | |
| Vehicular Assault, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or by the operation or driving of a vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.522) | |
| Viewing of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct 1 (RCW 9.68A.075(1)) | |
III | | |
| Animal Fighting (without intentional mutilation) (RCW 16.52.117(2)(a)) | |
| Assault 3 (Except Assault 3 of a Peace Officer With a Projectile Stun Gun) (RCW 9A.36.031 except subsection (1)(h)) | |
| | |
| Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(3)(c)) | |
| | |
| Clean Air Act Violation 1 (section 8 of this act) | |
| Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090) | |
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| Hazardous Waste Management Act Violation 1 (section 13 of this act) | |
| | |
| Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180) | |
| | |
| Malicious Injury to Railroad Property (RCW 81.60.070) | |
| Manufacture of Untraceable Firearm with Intent to Sell (RCW 9.41.190) | |
| Manufacture or Assembly of an Undetectable Firearm or Untraceable Firearm (RCW 9.41.325) | |
| | |
| Negligently Causing Substantial Bodily Harm By Use of a Signal Preemption Device (RCW 46.37.674) | |
| | |
| | |
| Possession of Incendiary Device (RCW 9.40.120) | |
| Possession of Machine Gun, Bump-Fire Stock, Undetectable Firearm, or Short-Barreled Shotgun or Rifle (RCW 9.41.190) | |
| | |
| Retail Theft with Special Circumstances 1 (RCW 9A.56.360(2)) | |
| | |
| | |
| Telephone Harassment (subsequent conviction or threat of death) (RCW 9.61.230(2)) | |
| | |
| Theft with the Intent to Resell 1 (RCW 9A.56.340(2)) | |
| Trafficking in Catalytic Converters 2 (RCW 9A.82.200) | |
| Trafficking in Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.82.055) | |
| Unlawful Hunting of Big Game 1 (RCW 77.15.410(3)(b)) | |
| | |
| Unlawful Misbranding of Fish or Shellfish 1 (RCW 77.140.060(3)) | |
| Unlawful possession of firearm in the second degree (RCW 9.41.040(2)) | |
| Unlawful Taking of Endangered Fish or Wildlife 1 (RCW 77.15.120(3)(b)) | |
| Unlawful Trafficking in Fish, Shellfish, or Wildlife 1 (RCW 77.15.260(3)(b)) | |
| Unlawful Use of a Nondesignated Vessel (RCW 77.15.530(4)) | |
| Vehicular Assault, by the operation or driving of a vehicle with disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.522) | |
| Water Pollution Control Act Violation 1 (section 2 of this act) | |
II | Commercial Fishing Without a License 1 (RCW 77.15.500(3)(b)) | |
| | |
| | |
| Electronic Data Service Interference (RCW 9A.90.060) | |
| | |
| | |
| Engaging in Fish Dealing Activity Unlicensed 1 (RCW 77.15.620(3)) | |
| Escape from Community Custody (RCW 72.09.310) | |
| Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (second or subsequent offense) (RCW 9A.44.130 prior to June 10, 2010, and RCW 9A.44.132) | |
| | |
| | |
| Improperly Obtaining Financial Information (RCW 9.35.010) | |
| | |
| | |
| Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.56.150) | |
| Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (RCW 9A.56.068) | |
| Possession, sale, or offering for sale of seven or more unmarked catalytic converters (RCW 9A.82.180(5)) | |
| Retail Theft with Special Circumstances 2 (RCW 9A.56.360(3)) | |
| Scrap Processing, Recycling, or Supplying Without a License (second or subsequent offense) (RCW 19.290.100) | |
| | |
| | |
| Theft of Rental, Leased, Lease-purchased, or Loaned Property (valued at $5,000 or more) (RCW 9A.56.096(5)(a)) | |
| Theft with the Intent to Resell 2 (RCW 9A.56.340(3)) | |
| | |
| Unlawful factoring of a credit card or payment card transaction (RCW 9A.56.290(4)(a)) | |
| Unlawful Participation of Non-Indians in Indian Fishery (RCW 77.15.570(2)) | |
| | |
| Unlawful Purchase or Use of a License (RCW 77.15.650(3)(b)) | |
| Unlawful Trafficking in Fish, Shellfish, or Wildlife 2 (RCW 77.15.260(3)(a)) | |
| Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or Business (RCW 18.130.190(7)) | |
| | |
I | Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024) | |
| Clean Air Act Violation 2 (section 9 of this act) | |
| False Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055) | |
| | |
| Fraudulent Creation or Revocation of a Mental Health Advance Directive (RCW 9A.60.060) | |
| Hazardous Waste Management Act Violation 2 (section 14 of this act) | |
| | |
| | |
| Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160) | |
| | |
| Spotlighting Big Game 1 (RCW 77.15.450(3)(b)) | |
| Suspension of Department Privileges 1 (RCW 77.15.670(3)(b)) | |
| Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission 2 (RCW 9A.56.075) | |
| | |
| Theft from a Vulnerable Adult 2 (RCW 9A.56.400(2)) | |
| Theft of Rental, Leased, Lease-purchased, or Loaned Property (valued at $750 or more but less than $5,000) (RCW 9A.56.096(5)(b)) | |
| Transaction of insurance business beyond the scope of licensure (RCW 48.17.063) | |
| Unlawful Fish and Shellfish Catch Accounting (RCW 77.15.630(3)(b)) | |
| Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060) | |
| Unlawful Possession of Fictitious Identification (RCW 9A.56.320) | |
| Unlawful Possession of Instruments of Financial Fraud (RCW 9A.56.320) | |
| Unlawful Possession of Payment Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320) | |
| Unlawful Possession of a Personal Identification Device (RCW 9A.56.320) | |
| Unlawful Production of Payment Instruments (RCW 9A.56.320) | |
| Unlawful Releasing, Planting, Possessing, or Placing Deleterious Exotic Wildlife (RCW 77.15.250(2)(b)) | |
| Unlawful Trafficking in Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.142) | |
| Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.144) | |
| Unlawful Use of Net to Take Fish 1 (RCW 77.15.580(3)(b)) | |
| | |
| Violating Commercial Fishing Area or Time 1 (RCW 77.15.550(3)(b)) | |
| Water Pollution Control Act Violation 2 (section 3 of this act) | |
Sec. 19. RCW
70A.15.2520 and 2020 c 20 s 1099 are each amended to read as follows:
At least thirty days prior to the commencement of any formal enforcement action under RCW ((70A.15.3150 or)) 70A.15.3160, a local air authority shall cause written notice to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The notice shall specify the provision of this chapter or the rule or regulation alleged to be violated, and the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, and may include an order directing that necessary corrective action be taken within a reasonable time. In lieu of an order, the board or the control officer may require that the alleged violator or violators appear before the board for a hearing. Every notice of violation shall offer to the alleged violator an opportunity to meet with the local air authority prior to the commencement of enforcement action.
Sec. 20. RCW
70A.15.3010 and 2020 c 20 s 1104 are each amended to read as follows:
At least thirty days prior to the commencement of any formal enforcement action under RCW ((70A.15.3150 and)) 70A.15.3160, the department of ecology shall cause written notice to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The notice shall specify the provision of this chapter or the rule or regulation alleged to be violated, and the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, and may include an order that necessary corrective action be taken within a reasonable time. In lieu of an order, the department may require that the alleged violator or violators appear before it for the purpose of providing the department information pertaining to the violation or the charges complained of. Every notice of violation shall offer to the alleged violator an opportunity to meet with the department prior to the commencement of enforcement action.
Sec. 21. RCW
70A.15.3130 and 2020 c 20 s 1110 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The department of health shall have all the enforcement powers as provided in RCW
70A.15.3010,
70A.15.3140, ((
70A.15.3150,)) 70A.15.3160 (1) through (7), and
70A.15.3170 with respect to emissions of radionuclides. This section does not preclude the department of ecology from exercising its authority under this chapter.
(2) Permits for energy facilities subject to chapter
80.50 RCW shall be issued by the energy facility site evaluation council. However, the permits become effective only if the governor approves an application for certification and executes a certification agreement under chapter
80.50 RCW. The council shall have all powers necessary to administer an operating permits program pertaining to such facilities, consistent with applicable air quality standards established by the department or local air pollution control authorities, or both, and to obtain the approval of the United States environmental protection agency. The council's powers include, but are not limited to, all of the enforcement powers provided in RCW
70A.15.3010,
70A.15.3140, ((
70A.15.3150,)) 70A.15.3160 (1) through (7), and
70A.15.3170 with respect to permit program sources required to obtain certification from the council under chapter
80.50 RCW. To the extent not covered under RCW
80.50.071, the council may collect fees as granted to delegated local air authorities under RCW
70A.15.2210,
70A.15.2260 (14) and (15),
70A.15.2270, and
70A.15.2230(7) with respect to permit program sources required to obtain certification from the council under chapter
80.50 RCW. The council and the department shall each establish procedures that provide maximum coordination and avoid duplication between the two agencies in carrying out the requirements of this chapter.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 22. A new section is added to chapter
43.10 RCW to read as follows:
By July 1, 2026, and thereafter annually, the office of the attorney general shall report to the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding criminal enforcement actions brought by that office before a court of law under chapters
70A.15, 70A.300, and
90.48 RCW, including a summary of all cases filed in the preceding year and any case resolutions reached during that period.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 23. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
(1) RCW
90.48.140 (Penalty) and 2011 c 96 s 61, 2003 c 53 s 419, 1992 c 73 s 26, 1973 c 155 s 8, & 1945 c 216 s 20;
(2) RCW
70A.15.3150 (Penalties) and 2025 c 319 s 7 & 2023 c 470 s 1017;
(3) RCW
70A.300.100 (Violations
—Criminal penalties) and 2003 c 53 s 357 & 1989 c 2 s 15; and
(4) RCW
70A.300.110 (Violations
—Gross misdemeanor) and 2020 c 20 s 1282, 2011 c 96 s 51, 1984 c 237 s 1, 1983 c 172 s 3, & 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 101 s 9.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 24. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected."
(2) Provides an exception from the criminal penalty provisions of the Clean Air Act for odors or fugitive dust caused by agricultural activities that are consistent with good agricultural practices and outdoor burning that is done in compliance with permits issued by the state or local authorities for specified purposes.
(3) Provides an exception from the criminal penalty provisions of the Clean Air Act for air pollutants emitted in compliance with the Washington Pesticide Application Act.
(4) Provides that it is contrary to public policy to terminate or discipline an employee for refusing to violate environmental laws, or for providing information about a violation of environmental laws to a supervisor or government agency.
(5) Requires that for purposes of confinement for criminal violations of environmental laws, each day of a violation that is continuous must be considered the same criminal conduct.
(6) Reduces the seriousness level of violations of environmental laws in the sentencing grid from:
(b) Level III to level I for second-degree violations.
(7) Makes the language consistent for the definitions in the criminal violations provisions of environmental laws.
(8) Requires the Attorney General's Office to provide an annual report to the appropriate committees of the Legislature regarding criminal enforcement actions brought by the Office before a court of law under environmental laws and include a summary of all cases filed and any case resolutions reached during that period.
(9) Clarifies that negligent violations of environmental laws must be criminally negligent to constitute a criminal violation.
(10) Requires the Department of Ecology, within existing resources, to prepare information about the criminal penalty provisions in environmental laws, as well as the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions, and make such information available on a website maintained by the department. Whenever the department issues a new permit or renews an existing permit under the environmental laws, the department would be required to provide the applicant with information about the criminal penalty provisions in environmental laws and the circumstances and conduct that could subject someone to those provisions.
(11) Removes the definition of entity from the bill.
(12) Provides a severability clause for the bill.
(13) Removes statutory references to the penalties provision in the Clean Air Act that is repealed.
(14) Provides a legislative intent section.
(15) Makes technical corrections for conforming amendments and internal references.
(16) Amends the definition of "air pollutant," as used in the Clean Air Act penalty provisions, to exempt ammonia emissions resulting from the storage, distribution, transport, or application of ammonia for use as an agricultural or silvicultural fertilizer.
(17) Establishes an affirmative defense to the first and second-degree violations of environmental laws if the defendant shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they: (a) Did not know the conduct was unlawful; (b) acted within the scope of their employment; and (c) engaged in the otherwise unlawful conduct under orders from their employer.