Boards, Councils, & Commissions

Agricultural Burning Practices and Research Task Force 

The task force was established by the Washington Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from agricultural burning by identifying best management practices for reducing air contaminant emissions from agricultural burning, address permit challenges, and recommend projects in areas related to agricultural burning alternatives. The task force also addresses the level of fees to be assessed by the permitting agency and allocation of fees between administration, research, and smoke management.

Agriculture and Forestry Carbon Capture & Sequestration Advisory Panel

The advisory panel is made up of stakeholders from businesses and industries related to forestry and agriculture, environmental and environmental justice groups, local governments, and the public. The panel gives input about how to provide incentives and allocate credits for the sequestration of greenhouse gases relating to the Clean Fuel Standard through activities on agricultural and forestlands in Washington.

The Chehalis Board 

The Chehalis Board was created in 2016 and is responsible for the oversight of a long-term strategy to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic species habitat in the Chehalis Basin. The strategy will include a detailed set of actions, an implementation schedule, and quantified measures to evaluate success. The Board consists of seven voting members and five nonvoting ex-officio members, including the Ecology director.

The Coastal Marine Advisory Council

This council advises the governor, the legislature, and state and local agencies about coastal water resource management issues on Washington's Pacific Coast, including policy, planning, and management.

The Conservation Commission 

The commission coordinates with all 45 conservation districts in Washington to provide incentive-based programs that make it easier and more affordable for private landowners to implement conservation on their property. The commission supports conservation districts through financial and technical assistance; administrative and operational oversight; program coordination; and promotion of district activities and services.

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC)

The council provides a "one-stop" siting process for major energy facilities in Washington. It coordinates all evaluation and licensing steps for siting certain energy facilities and specifies the conditions of construction and operation. If approved, a site certification agreement is issued in place of any other individual state or local agency permits. For facilities under its jurisdiction, EFSEC has been delegated authority by EPA to issue permits under the federal Water Pollution Control Act and the federal Clean Air Act. EFSEC also makes sure that effective and coordinated nuclear emergency response plans are in place and tested for the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant located on the Hanford site in central Washington.

The Forest Practices Board

The Forest Practices Board, established by the 1974 Forest Practices Act, is an independent state agency that sets standards for forest practices such as timber harvests, and road construction and maintenance. The board also manages the Adaptive Management Program, which includes the Timber/Fish/Wildlife Policy Committee and the Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Committee with representatives from landowners, public agencies, the forest industry, environmental community, and tribal governments.

The Habitat and Recreation Lands Coordinating Group 

The coordinating group works to improve the visibility and coordination of state habitat and recreation land purchases and disposals.

The Marine Resources Advisory Council 

This council works with the Washington Ocean Acidification Center on the effects and sources of ocean acidification. It is tasked with delivering recommendations to the governor and legislature about ocean acidification; seeking public and private funding resources to support the council's recommendations; and assisting in conducting public education activities regarding ocean acidification.

The Puget Sound Partnership Ecosystem Coordination Board

The Ecosystem Coordination Board is one of four boards that supports and guides the Puget Sound Partnership in protecting and restoring Puget Sound. The Ecosystem Coordination Board's main role is to advise the Puget Sound Partnership’s Leadership Council on carrying out its responsibilities. The board is made up of 27 members representing specific interests around Puget Sound.

The Salmon Recovery Funding Board 

The board provides grants to protect or restore salmon habitat and assist related activities necessary to achieve overall salmon recovery and measurable benefits for salmon and other fish species.

Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)

The Washington SERC was created by federal Public Law 99-499. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) establishes requirements for federal, state, tribal, and local governments and industry about emergency response planning and everyone's right to know about hazardous chemicals in their community. The SERC is made up of a broad-based membership with representatives from private industry, state, and local agencies. Ecology, Washington State Patrol, and Emergency Management Division of the Military Department have specific responsibilities under Chapter 118-40 WAC.

Washington Invasive Species Council

This council provides policy-level direction, planning, and coordination for combating harmful invasive species throughout Washington.

Well Construction Technical Advisory Group 

This group advises Ecology about technical well construction issues. It assists in developing and revising rules, as well as licensing and training criteria for inspectors, drillers, and operators.