Clean energy coordination
To help foster Washington’s transition to generating power and electricity using renewable energy sources such as solar and onshore wind, we are leading efforts to make the siting and permitting process for these types of projects and facilities more effective and efficient. Our efforts are designed to protect the environment and overburdened communities while respecting Tribal rights, interests and resources. We work in partnership with other state agencies, local and Tribal governments and a variety of other interested parties.
Executive Order to accelerate clean energy project development
On Dec. 16, 2025, Gov. Bob Ferguson issued Executive Order 25-11, which directed agencies to prioritize and expedite permit reviews. This is to ensure the state continues its progress in meeting our clean energy goals despite upcoming rollback of federal energy tax credits. We have joined a new Joint Clean Energy Acceleration team, led by Department of Commerce, to look at proposed utility-scale solar and onshore wind projects.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy has the potential to support the state’s transition to clean energy. We are leading a collaborative process with other state agencies, Tribes, communities and interested parties to identify opportunities and risks associated with developing power plants using geothermal energy. The process will focus on the three areas identified by the Washington Geological Survey within the state Department of Natural Resources: Mount Baker, Mount St. Helens and the Wind River valley south of Mount St. Helens.
Clean energy environmental studies
In June 2025, we released final programmatic environmental impact statements for utility-scale onshore wind, solar and green hydrogen production and storage facilities. Our broad, statewide environmental studies identify potential significant adverse environmental impacts from these three types of clean energy facilities. They also identify possible ways to avoid, reduce, and mitigate those impacts. While the studies do not review any specific projects, they do provide the foundation for environmental reviews of specific clean energy projects proposed to be sited and operated in Washington.
We are currently developing a new programmatic environmental impact statement for sustainable aviation fuel to be released in 2027.
Early planning
Applicants seeking to develop a utility-scale clean energy project will likely need various approvals and permits from our department. Developers can contact Ecology for a free early planning discussion to learn about permitting pathways, environmental review requirements, and likely approvals. These early conversations help identify issues and data needs, saving time later in the process.
Interagency Clean Energy Coordinating Siting Council
In partnership with the Department of Commerce, we lead the Interagency Clean Energy Coordinating Siting Council made up of members representing 13 state agencies, offices and councils. The interagency council:
- Identifies actions to improve siting and permitting clean energy projects in Washington
- Tracks efforts to improve project siting and permitting
- Supports interagency coordination
- Makes recommendations to the Legislature in an annual report
Coordinated permitting process
We developed a coordinated state permitting process for eligible clean energy projects—bringing together early discussions, required local and state permits, and environmental reviews under the State Environmental Policy Act into a single process.
The coordinated process puts one agency, Ecology, in charge of managing the overall environmental permitting work for a proposed clean energy project. This helps ensure consistent, information is all in one place while risks and potential impacts are identified early so they can be addressed up front. We will work closely with developers, state and local agencies, Tribes, and communities throughout the process.
Stay engaged
If you're interested in receiving updates about our work, please sign up for our Clean Energy Coordination email list.
Frequently asked questions
Climate Commitment Act funding
Our clean energy coordination work is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health.
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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Related links
Contact information
Clean Energy Coordination
Cleanenergy@ecy.wa.gov
(360) 407-6600