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Public commenters press Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency on hearing procedures, translations and Climate Commitment Act outreach
Summary
At the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency board meeting March 13, three public commenters urged the board to clarify whether prior gatherings were public hearings or meetings, to clarify translation procedures for Spanish minutes, and to engage Ecology on Climate Commitment Act rulemaking that could direct funds to overburdened Yakima County areas.
At the March 13 meeting of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency Board of Directors, three members of the public asked the board to clarify procedural practices and to act on state-level climate funding issues that affect Yakima County.
The most direct concerns came from Jean Mendoza of White Swan, who told the board she had four items to raise and said the agency "did not hold hearings" about the DTG landfill despite prior filings with the Pollution Control Hearings Board asserting hearings took place. Mendoza said the distinction matters because "there's a difference. It has legal implications." She also asked whether a single, blanket request for Spanish translations of agency minutes suffices or whether members of the public must request translations every month.
The appearance followed remarks by Nancy Lust, representing Friends of Rocky Top, who urged the board to correct the February minutes where they indicate Commissioner McKinney was present throughout a previous meeting. Lust said the minutes should note that McKinney "arrived in the midst of her comments" and also asked that staff presentations be scheduled and maintained on future agendas so that the board and public receive regular updates.
Resident Sandy Braden asked about the status of board member Miguel Trevino's term, observing that she understood his position had been up March 1; board members clarified Trevino's final meeting date and thanked him for his service.
Mendoza also urged the board to engage with the Washington State Department of Ecology on rulemaking under the Climate Commitment Act, noting that state rules require a portion of revenue be spent in overburdened and underserved communities. She said Yakima County contains three of the 16 designated overburdened communities and suggested the board either take on consultation with Ecology directly or appoint an advisory committee to do so.
Board members did not take formal action on these public comments during the meeting. Chairman DeBeney acknowledged the items and indicated the board would keep them on future agendas for clarification or follow-up.
The public comments occurred during the meeting's public-comment period and are recorded in the minutes for March 13.
