Programmatic EIS
We are developing three statewide programmatic environmental impact statements (PEISs) as directed by the Legislature.
| PEIS | Status | Next Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Green hydrogen energy facilities | Draft PEIS published and public comment period complete (Jan. 7 - Feb. 6, 2025) |
Review comments on draft PEIS to address in Final PEIS Final PEIS planned for release in June 2025 |
| Utility-scale solar energy facilities | Draft PEIS published and public comment period complete (held Sept. 25 - Oct. 28, 2024) |
Review comments on draft PEIS to address in Final PEIS Final PEIS planned for release in June 2025 |
| Utility-scale onshore wind energy facilities | Draft PEIS published and public comment period complete (held Sept. 25 - Oct. 28, 2024) |
Review comments on draft PEIS to address in Final PEIS Final PEIS planned for release in June 2025 |
See more information on the programmatic environmental impact statement currently being developed by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council on electrical transmission.
Draft programmatic environmental impact statement for green hydrogen energy facilities
The draft programmatic environmental impact statement on green hydrogen energy facilities in Washington state assesses and discloses the probable significant adverse environmental impacts and related mitigation measures for green hydrogen energy facilities at a broad level.
Ecology conducted a 30-day public comment period from Jan. 7 through Feb. 6, 2025. We hosted three online public hearings on January 23, 28, and 30, where we presented findings, answered questions, and took verbal public comment. Comments received during the comment period will be addressed in the final study.
Quick reads
Detailed reports
- Green hydrogen draft programmatic environmental impact statement
- Programmatic environmental impact statement technical appendices
Public hearing presentation slides
What is a programmatic environmental impact statement?
A programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) is a broad environmental assessment that provides information for future project decisions. The review is done under the State Environmental Policy Act and evaluates impacts at a broad level. Each EIS will look at:
- Existing conditions
- Types of facilities
- Potential significant environmental impacts
- Proposed mitigation to offset any potential impacts
These environmental reviews are not intended to make any decisions whether a specific project should be built. Rather they provide early information to be considered during planning. Each programmatic environmental impact statement looks statewide at the types of projects that could be built and evaluate potential significant environmental impacts.
Since each programmatic environmental impact statement is not specific to any particular site, the evaluations will be done at a broad level and will assess which areas in the state are suitable for the three types of clean energy projects. The three non-project environmental assessments will evaluate likely impacts on:
- Natural and built environments
- Historic and cultural resources
- Protected and endangered species
- Habitat connectivity and migration corridors
- Overburdened communities including environmental justice concerns
- Tribal rights, interests, and resources
- Land uses
- Military installations and operations
The deadline for completing the three environmental reviews is June 30, 2025.
Scoping phase
We completed the scoping phase for utility-scale solar energy, onshore wind energy facilities, and green hydrogen facilities. Scoping reports for solar energy, onshore wind energy, and green hydrogen facilities include a summary of comments received during the scoping phase.
Draft programmatic environmental impact statement phase
Draft programmatic environmental impact statements provide thorough, factual, and impartial information about the potential environmental impacts from facilities for the three types of clean energy. The focus is on impacts which may be significant and adverse. The studies also describe how impacts could be avoided or reduced.
Final programmatic environmental impact statement phase
The final programmatic environmental impact statements will be revised to address comments we received. The documents will include responses to comments.
Using programmatic environmental impact statements for clean energy proposals
Under SEPA, each individual clean energy project will need to do its own separate environmental review. During that review process, site-specific information and project-specific effects will be evaluated.
The information in the programmatic studies is intended to help a developer identify a suitable project site, design a project, and submit a proposal that has considered potential environmental impacts. It can also help a proponent develop a mitigation plan designed to reduce potentially significant impacts.
State and local agencies reviewing a clean energy project must use the information in the programmatic environmental impact statements as well as other publicly available information and site-specific details to inform their environmental reviews and permitting decisions.
Timelines
- June 30, 2025: All three programmatic environmental reviews finalized and released.
Accessibility
For more information, please call 360-407-6600 and ask for an interpreter.
Para más información o para solicitar un intérprete, favor de comunicarse al 360-407-6600 o cleanenergy@ecy.wa.gov.
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Contact information
Clean Energy Coordination
cleanenergy@ecy.wa.gov
(360) 407-6600