June 2018 Bar Bulletin
Agencies cannot rely on local regulations
when analyzing environmental impacts
of non-project proposals under SEPA
By Kyler Danielson
Despite the continued growth in King County, project proponents still experience speed bumps in obtaining development approval. Compliance with the environmental impact statement (EIS) requirement under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) poses a major procedural hurdle for projects.
The goal of the EIS is to require consideration of environmental impacts and adjust plans in order to protect the environment. Some argue that the EIS is an essential feature in the process because it requires a hard look at environmental impacts, but others argue that it is a...