SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1902
As of March 28, 2025
Title: An act relating to convening a work group regarding the streamlining of permitting for transportation projects.
Brief Description: Convening a work group regarding the streamlining of permitting for transportation projects.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Richards, Stuebe, Zahn, Dent, Timmons, Barkis, Paul, Nance, Reed, Ramel, Bernbaum, Wylie, Taylor, Parshley, Simmons, Shavers, Salahuddin and Hill).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/10/25, 94-1.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 4/01/25.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Washington State Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of Ecology, to convene a work group of state, local, and tribal representatives to develop recommendations to streamline the permitting of transportation projects.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Daniel Masterson (786-7454)
Background:

Washington State Department of Transportation Permitting. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) must obtain various federal, state and local permits or approvals for many of the transportation projects that it oversees.  
 
The National and State Environmental Policy Acts. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) establishes a review process to identify environmental impacts of certain decisions by the federal government, including for projects that require the issuance of a permit.  The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) establishes a review process for state and local governments to evaluate environmental impacts from project permits and other government decisions.  Certain WSDOT activities are exempt from NEPA or SEPA requirements, or both.
 
Shoreline Management Act Permits. The Shoreline Management Act of 1971 requires that most developments near state shorelines be consistent with shoreline master programs, which are plans developed by local governments for the uses of its shoreline areas.  Certain projects require a substantial development permit that is reviewed by the local government and filed with the Department of Ecology (Ecology).  
 
Water Pollution Regulations and Programs. Ecology is authorized to implement the federal Clean Water Act's Discharge Program and state water pollution control laws.  Through these programs, Ecology is authorized to issue federal and state water quality permits for persons that discharge to waters of the state.
 
The Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) Program is a permitting process managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).  Any activity that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or freshwaters of the state must first obtain an HPA from WDFW.  Through the HPA process, WDFW specifically analyzes and conditions projects based on the anticipated effect on fish life.
Summary of Bill:

WSDOT, in consultation with Ecology, is directed to convene a work group to develop recommendations to streamline the permitting of transportation projects, with such streamlining defined to include aligning priorities, legal requirements, timelines, processing, and interests.  
 
The work group membership is required to consist of representatives of the following entities:

  • WSDOT, to be appointed by the secretary of WSDOT;
  • Ecology, to be appointed by the director of Ecology; 
  • WDFW, to be appointed by the director of WDFW;
  • the Department of Commerce (Commerce), to be appointed by the director of Commerce;
  • the Office of Equity, to be appointed by the director of the Office of Equity;
  • the Association of Washington Cities;
  • the Washington State Association of Counties;
  • the Washington Public Ports Association;
  • an organization representing general contractors;
  • a statewide organization representing construction trades labor;
  • the Washington State Transit Association;
  • the United States Army Corps of Engineers, to be invited by the secretary of WSDOT;
  • the consulting engineers community; and
  • at least one representative of tribal governments, and additional coordination from the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs.
     

The work group is directed to develop recommendations to reduce project costs and the time required from project conception to project completion.  These recommendations must also ensure that all appropriate environmental and regulatory protections are maintained.  Staff support to the work group must be provided by WSDOT.
 
The work group must convene its first meeting by October 1, 2025, and submit a report to the Legislature detailing its work and any recommendations, including any recommendations for legislation, by November 1, 2026.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.