Two Agencies Now Accepting Comments To Shape Renewable Energy Development in Washington State

Renewable energy developers and interested parties take note: Two Washington state agencies are accepting public comment on upcoming policies that will shape the future of renewable energy in Washington state. 

Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has released draft programmatic environmental impact statements (PEISs) for utility-scale solar and onshore wind energy generation projects in the state, in compliance with 2023 amendments to the State Environmental Policy Act. These nonproject actions will inform environmental review and permitting decisions for individual generation projects. Ecology is jointly accepting written public comments on both PEISs through October 28, 2024. Ecology is also accepting in-person comments at public hearings throughout October. Ecology's website has more information, including how to comment. Ecology expects to finalize the PEISs in June 2025.

In addition, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) is updating its 2009 Wind Power Guidelines and developing new Industrial Solar Development Guidelines. The guidelines will inform WDFW's approach to siting, habitat, and wildlife surveying, and development of mitigation plans for wind and solar projects across the state. After collecting stakeholder feedback over the past six months, WDFW is accepting public input through a short survey and/or written submissions to WDFW at solarandwind@dfw.wa.gov. Feedback will be accepted through November 2024. WDFW expects to publish final guidelines in early 2025.

These are important opportunities to shape the regulatory framework for scaling up renewable energy in line with Washington's climate and energy transition goals. DWT's renewable energy team is available to discuss the impacts of these agency publications and to work with clients to submit comments.

Contact DWT's land use and development group with any comments or questions.