OLYMPIA — Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) issued the following statement March 11 after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy rescinded the Biden administration’s memos on factoring environmental justice into infrastructure decisions:
“Our historic transportation decisions have sometimes had devastating consequences for Washingtonians, whether it was the destruction and displacement of vibrant ethnic communities when I-5 and I-90 were built or the lasting consequences on tribal fisheries from fish barriers on state highways. While the Trump Administration is walking away from correcting these injustices, here in our Washington we remain committed to ensuring the voices of impacted communities are at the table as we make transportation investments.
“Recognizing the harm our infrastructure has caused is what helps us invest in building stronger, more equitable communities. In Washington, that work is happening through our landmark Climate Commitment Act, the HEAL Act, and the Move Ahead Washington transportation package. We’re not only investing funds that benefit communities and tribes overburdened by environmental harms and impacts but to expand active transportation, reduce emissions, and remove fish barriers to propel our state toward a greener, more just future.
“While the federal government plays politics, Washington will continue to include the perspectives and experiences of impacted communities when we select, build, and plan our infrastructure projects.”