HB2298 – Establishing a climate resilience and environmental equity campus.
Prime Sponsor – Representative Reeves (D; 30th District; Federal Way) (Co-Sponsor Doglio, D)
Current status – Referred to the House Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce.
Next step would be – Scheduling a hearing.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

Summary –
The bill would require the Department of Natural Resources and Highline Community College to establish and administer a climate resilience and environmental equity campus as a joint operating agency. The campus would provide workforce training for postsecondary students pursuing careers in climate-focused science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through on-site training and a variety of internships. It would develop a climate-focused program and curriculum including training in those disciplines as well as social justice, collaborative decision making, ethical climate engagement, and community and civic engagement. It would provide informational exhibits exploring careers in those disciplines. The campus might be “made available” to the State’s public universities and colleges.

The campus would be governed by a Board of Directors with nine members appointed by the Governor and representing Highline, DNR, and specified institutions and stakeholders. It would work with industry to develop opportunities to offer students direct experience providing career and skills training, promote faculty collaboration with industry; encourage projects ranging from small scale research to large multipartner projects; work with industry to market in-state career opportunities in the specified disciplines, diversify the workforce, and educate the public on the pathways to success in those fields. It would work with colleges, universities, and industry to develop an industry-recognized certificate for students who completed training at the campus.

If funds were specifically appropriated for it the bill would have the DNR acquire Weyerhaeuser’s former corporate headquarters as a site for the new campus.