Rough draft for executive summary!

As we're rounding the final corners, the final release of our document is on the horizon! Here is an initial draft of our executive summary!

The problem identified here is that Washington State is currently underprepared to support and oversee environmental justice projects to the extent they need to be prioritized and completed. This has been indicated through a notable literature review of gaps and limitations of tools for Green Infrastructure (GI) investment, such as green bonds in general, as well as current legislative advocacy efforts to pass the HEAL Act and subsequently refine it to rise to the building challenges climate change is placing on Washington communities. Where some governing entities with oversight capacities have stronger guidelines in place for environmental outcomes but no explicit alignment with environmental justice, Washington State has the opposite situation wherein it has stated value in principles of environmental justice but underdeveloped capacities and resources to follow through at the rate needed. Shortfalls are indicated through rising health disparities and more demand than supply for funding options, such as green bonds. Policy advocacy efforts are focused in building up resources like the HEAL Act to allow for the appropriate degree of action to be taken. Given a tumultuous and chaotic political landscape has worsened in recent decades, relying on the federal government does not currently seem to be a feasible strategy.

Ultimately, the recommendation being made is that the HEAL Act is a strong start, but could more thoroughly and comprehensively accomplish its stated goals for environmental justice and green infrastructure investment through amendments further fleshing out its strategic planning and influencing capacities following successful benchmark passages. Environmental justice and preservation of the integrity of environmental impacts intended through these projects are of critical importance, and building up from a promising foundation seems like a reasonable means to this end.