Background
Policy #2023-09: “SCC Procedure on Creating a New Policy” (also referred to as the “Policy on Policies”) provides guidance to the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) when developing a new policy. The Policy on Policies requires SCC to hold a 45-day public comment period prior to adopting or amending policies that impact conservation districts.
Because of commission meeting timing and the need for staff to have time to understand, respond to, and incorporate comments, the 45-day comment period can lead to a long delay in implementing new policies. Often, it requires three commission meetings (this can take up to six months) to move forward on policy changes that can impact districts.
On May 21, 2026, the Conservation Commission directed SCC staff to initiate a 45-day public comment period to get feedback from districts on changing the comment period to 30 days.
Proposed change
The proposed change to the policy includes shortening the open public comment period from a minimum of 45 days to a minimum of 30 days.
The goal of this update is to make the process of adopting and amending policies more efficient while preserving the opportunity for the public to weigh in.
The public comment period will close at 5:00 p.m. on July 10, 2026.
Resources
- You can find the proposed language change in this document.
- Use this form to make comments on the proposed changes by July 10, 2026.