Programmatic EIS
We are developing three statewide Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements (PEISs) as directed by the Legislature.
PEIS | Status | Next Actions |
Green electrolytic and renewable hydrogen facilities |
Scoping complete and scoping report published |
Draft PEIS planned for release in late 2024 |
Utility scale solar energy facilities | Scoping complete and scoping report published | Draft PEIS planned for release in late summer 2024 |
Utility scale onshore wind energy facilities | Scoping complete and scoping report published |
Draft PEIS planned for release in late summer 2024 |
For more information on the Programmatic EIS currently being developed by the Energy Facility Evaluation and Siting Council on electrical transmission, please visit their website.
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What is a PEIS?
A programmatic 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 will provide early information to be considered during planning. Each programmatic EIS will look statewide at the types of projects that could be built and evaluate potential significant environmental impacts.
Since each programmatic EIS 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 green 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. The public comment periods are now closed. Scoping reports for solar energy, onshore wind energy, and green hydrogen facilities include a summary of comments and information on what will be studied in the PEISs.
Draft PEIS Phase
Draft PEISs will 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 study will also describe how impacts could be avoided or reduced. The drafts will be released for public comment and review.
Final PEIS Phase
The final PEISs will be revised to address comments received on the drafts. The documents will include responses to comments.
Using the PEISs for green energy proposals
Project developers will still need to complete a project-level environmental review for their individual clean energy proposals. The programmatic environmental reviews will help developers avoid and minimize potential impacts as they work to site and develop their proposals. They will provide consistent and through information to consider and for developing mitigation plans.
Each programmatic EIS will also help local governments and state agencies conduct their environmental reviews and make permit decisions. In addition, the public and Tribes can use the information to help assess green energy proposals.
Timelines
Late summer 2024: Draft PEISs for utility-scale solar energy and utility scale wind energy released for public review and comment
Late 2024/early 2025: Draft PEIS for green hydrogen released for public review and comment
June 30, 2025: All three programmatic environmental reviews finalized and released
Para más información o para solicitar un intérprete, favor de comunicarse al 360-407-6600 o cleanenergy@ecy.wa.gov.
Contact information
Diane Butorac
Diane.butorac@ecy.wa.gov
(360) 763-2394