Support for the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act
March 31, 2021
PCC submitted a letter to the Washington state legislature’s House Appropriations Committee expressing support for the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, which would address health impacts from pollution and climate change.
The HEAL Act, or E2SSB 5141, addresses health impacts from climate change and toxic pollution that disproportionately impact certain communities, like low-income and people of color. If enacted, it would help move forward recommendations finalized in 2020 by the Environmental Justice Task Force for state government agencies to incorporate environmental justice principles into their policies, projects, and programs. By requiring agencies to use an intersectional health justice lens and prioritize vulnerable and overburdened communities, policies, programs, laws, and regulations can be developed to minimize the environmental impacts on Washington state residents and resources can be allocated more equitably to serve those communities most in need.
PCC supported the legislation because it would advance the health and well-being of our community members and our environment, elements that are at the core of PCC’s mission and vision.
Read PCC’s full letter here.