WAC 173-166 Emergency drought relief

Ecology is beginning a rulemaking to amend chapter 173-166 WAC Emergency Drought Relief. 

Through rulemaking, Ecology plans to integrate information related to how Ecology manages its emergency drought funding program into the permanent rule governing emergency drought relief. This rulemaking plans to streamline administration of emergency drought funding and to add clarity and definition to processes and terms related to emergency drought relief. 

This update also intends to integrate equity considerations into funding distribution, including considerations identified under the Healthy Environment for All Act. Additionally, this rulemaking seeks to clarify appeals processes for emergency drought funding decisions, as well as the petition process for drought declaration.

As droughts become more common with a changing climate, an updated drought rule will provide increased efficiency and transparency around emergency drought relief.

Ecology is hosting listening sessions and seeking feedback from people across the state to help inform this rule update. See more information on our focus sheet and below on how to participate!