(1) A decision by the directors of state, regional, or local agencies to approve a proposed environmental excellence program agreement, or to terminate or modify an approved environmental excellence program agreement, is subject to judicial review in superior court. For purposes of judicial review, the court may grant relief from the decision to approve or modify an environmental excellence program agreement only if it determines that the action: (a) Violates constitutional provisions; (b) exceeds the statutory authority of the agency; (c) was arbitrary and capricious; or (d) was taken without compliance with the procedures provided by this chapter. However, the decision of the director or directors shall be accorded substantial deference by the court. A decision not to enter into or modify an environmental excellence program agreement and a decision not to accept a commitment under RCW 43.21K.080(4) to comply with the terms of a programmatic environmental excellence [program] agreement are within the sole discretion of the directors of the state, regional, or local agencies and are not subject to review.

Terms Used In Washington Code 43.21K.090

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Director: means the individual or body of individuals in whom the ultimate legal authority of an agency is vested by any provision of law. See Washington Code 43.21K.010
  • Facility: means a site or activity that is regulated under any of the provisions of the environmental laws. See Washington Code 43.21K.010
  • Sponsor: means the owner or operator of a facility, including a municipal corporation, subject to regulation under the environmental laws of the state of Washington, or an authorized representative of the owner or operator, that submits a proposal for an environmental excellence program agreement. See Washington Code 43.21K.010
(2) An appeal from a decision to approve or modify a facility specific or a programmatic environmental excellence program agreement is not timely unless filed with the superior court and served on the parties to the environmental excellence program agreement within thirty days of the date on which the agreement or modification is signed by the director. For an environmental excellence program agreement or modification signed by more than one director, there is only one appeal, and the time for appeal shall run from the last date on which the agreement or modification is signed by a director.
(3) A decision to accept the commitment of a specific facility to comply with the terms of a programmatic environmental excellence program agreement, or to modify the application of an agreement to a specific facility, is subject to judicial review as described in subsection (1) of this section. An appeal is not timely unless filed with the superior court and served on the directors signing the agreement, the sponsor, and the owner or operator of the specific facility within thirty days of the date the director or directors that signed the programmatic agreement approve the owner or operator’s commitment to comply with the agreement. For a programmatic environmental excellence program agreement or modification signed by more than one director, there shall be only one appeal and the time for appeal shall run from the last date on which a director approves the commitment.
(4) The issuance of permits and permit modifications is subject to review under otherwise applicable law.
(5) An appeal of a decision by a director under *section 11 of this act to terminate in whole or in part a facility specific or programmatic environmental excellence program agreement is not timely unless filed with the superior court and served on the director within thirty days of the date on which notice of the termination is issued under *section 11(2) of this act.

NOTES:

*Reviser’s note: Section 11 of this act was vetoed.
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