Where you live, your income, race, or language ability should not determine how healthy and safe you are. But tragically in our communities, health and well-being varies significantly according to who you are and where you live. People across Washington who are suffering worst from pollution — often low-income people, communities of color, and linguistically-isolated people — pay with their well-being and shortened lives.
After years of hard work and a dedicated community effort, the Washington State Legislature passed the Healthy Environment for All Act (also known as the HEAL Act), Senate Bill 5141. This landmark environmental justice law centers communities most affected by pollution as Washington transitions to a green economy. The HEAL Act defines ‘environmental justice’ in state law, outlines how agencies should consider community needs and environmental justice (EJ) in their work, establishes a permanent EJ Council to work with these agencies and help create EJ legislation, and expands equitable community participation. The HEAL Act will be an essential tool as we aim to accelerate a Just Transition toward climate and environmental justice.
Complete this form to endorse the HEAL Act of 2021 and join our campaign listserv for email updates. Your participation is meaningful and strengthens our campaign to allow everyone in Washington to live in a healthy and safe environment no matter who they are, what language they speak, or how much money they have. Thank you!
On January 7, 2020, Front & Centered hosted a virtual briefing for advocates, community members, and media across Washington state to highlight key environmental justice policies being considered in the 2021 Legislative Session with a particular focus on the HEAL Act.
Communities of color, people with lower incomes, and indigenous people are on the frontlines of climate and environmental change.
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