A sound environmental analysis of plans, policies, programs, and
regulations can not only streamline the permit process when a specific
project is later proposed, but can also identify long-range cumulative and
indirect impacts. Washington State regulations direct early integration of
state and local nonproject actions, which are defined as the adoption of
plans, policies, and regulations. State rules, however, offer little
guidance on how, when, and where to integrate the environmental analysis
into the planning. As a result, the environmental analysis often does not
meet the intent of state law and regulations. In 2001, the Washington
State Department of Ecology initiated the development of an optional
integrative planning process so that the incorporation of environmental
values and issues could be more effectively reflected in local and state
government decisions. Pilots covering a variety of plans, policies, and
programs were conducted by several state and local agencies. The results
indicated that the integration process for environmental analysis improved
the clarity and efficiency of proposal development and augmented
opportunities for public and agency input. The agencies conducting the
pilots also noted that the approach resulted in improved planning
documents, particularly in identifying objectives and refining the scope
of a nonproject proposal. Although there are substantial benefits from
this approach, resistance to this optional integrative planning process
needs to be addressed through education, regulation, or other means.