Health Environment for All Act (HEAL Act)

The Healthy Environment for All Act, commonly referred to as the HEAL Act, was passed and enacted in 2021 and is codified at RCW 70A.02. This legislation is the result of the recommendations provided in the October 2020 Environmental Justice Task Force Report. The goals of the HEAL Act are to reduce environmental and health disparities across Washington State and prioritize vulnerable populations and overburdened communities by integrating environmental justice (EJ) into several state agency activities including: strategic plans, community engagement plans, and decision processes for budget development, expenditures, and granting or withholding benefits.

The HEAL Act requires seven state agencies to apply specific EJ requirements to agency actions. These agencies are the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Ecology, Health, Natural Resources, and Transportation, and the Puget Sound Partnership. Other agencies may opt-in to implement the HEAL Act.

The HEAL Act establishes the EJ Council. Members of the EJ Council are appointed by the Governor and advise covered and opt-in agencies on incorporating EJ into agency activities.The HEAL Act places an emphasis on the prioritization of vulnerable populations and overburdened communities within agency efforts in EJ activities. The HEAL Act directs the Department of Health to continue maintaining and regularly updating the Washington Environmental Health Disparities (EHD) Map.



This dashboard allows for identifying and tracking of investments made to benefit vulnerable populations in overburdened communities. By publishing this dashboard, we hope to empower communities, agencies, and decision makers alike to ensure that environmental benefits are distributed equitably, promoting healthier and more sustainable communities for all Washingtonians.

The Health Environment for All Act (HEAL Act) requires covered agencies to embed environmental justice into how it makes decisions on budgets and funding – including focusing investments to improve environmental health and reduce pollution in overburdened communities. Starting in fall 2024, agencies are required to report to OFM on their progress in implementing these budgeting and funding requirements. The interactive map gives communities, lawmakers, and others a way to track Washington state’s progress towards these goals.

HEAL Act Budgets and Funding Dashboard

Action History

Policy-Specific Details

Related Policies

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