A sound environmental analysis of plans, policies, programs, and regulations can not only streamline the permit process when a specific project is later proposed, but can also identify long-range cumulative and indirect impacts. Washington State regulations direct early integration of state and local nonproject actions, which are defined as the adoption of plans, policies, and regulations. State rules, however, offer little guidance on how, when, and where to integrate the environmental analysis into the planning. As a result, the environmental analysis often does not meet the intent of state law and regulations. In 2001, the Washington State Department of Ecology initiated the development of an optional integrative planning process so that the incorporation of environmental values and issues could be more effectively reflected in local and state government decisions. Pilots covering a variety of plans, policies, and programs were conducted by several state and local agencies. The results indicated that the integration process for environmental analysis improved the clarity and efficiency of proposal development and augmented opportunities for public and agency input. The agencies conducting the pilots also noted that the approach resulted in improved planning documents, particularly in identifying objectives and refining the scope of a nonproject proposal. Although there are substantial benefits from this approach, resistance to this optional integrative planning process needs to be addressed through education, regulation, or other means.