Programmatic EIS
We are developing three statewide Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements (PEISs) as directed by the Legislature.
| PEIS | Status | Next Actions |
| Utility-scale solar energy facilities | Draft PEIS published and public comment period complete (held September 25 - October 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 September 25 - October 28, 2024) |
Review comments on Draft PEIS to address in Final PEIS Final PEIS planned for release in June 2025 |
| Green electrolytic and renewable hydrogen facilities | Scoping complete and scoping report published | Draft PEIS planned for release in early January 2025 |
For more information on the programmatic environmental impact statement currently being developed by the Energy Facility Evaluation and Siting Council on electrical transmission, please visit their website.
Draft programmatic environmental impact statements for solar and onshore wind energy facilities
The draft programmatic environmental impact statements for utility-scale solar energy and onshore wind energy facilities in Washington state assess and disclose the probable significant adverse environmental impacts and related mitigation measures for these facilities at a broad level.
Ecology conducted a joint public comment period for the draft programmatic environmental impact statements from Sept. 25, through Oct. 28, 2024. We held two in-person and one virtual public hearing during the draft public comment period where we presented information on the draft programmatic environmental impact statements findings and answered questions. We will consider comments submitted on the draft programmatic environmental impact statements and address and respond to comments in the final programmatic environmental impact statements.
Quick reads
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 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 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 also describes how impacts could be avoided or reduced. The public comment period for draft PEISs for utility-scale solar and onshore wind energy facilities was held Sept. 25. through Oct. 28, 2024. The draft PEIS for green hydrogen facilities is planned for release in early January 2025.
Using the PEISs for clean energy proposals
Under SEPA, each individual utility-scale solar 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 PEIS 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 utility-scale solar energy project must use the information in the PEIS, as well as other publicly available information and site-specific details, to inform their environmental reviews and permitting decisions.
Final PEIS Phase
The final PEISs will be revised to address comments received on the drafts. The documents will include responses to comments.
Timelines
September 25 to October 28: 33-day joint public comment period on Draft PEISs for utility-scale solar and onshore wind energy facilities.
Early January 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.
보다 많은 정보를 얻으려면 담당자(Diane Butorac, 360-407-6600)에게 연락하여 통역을 요청할것.
如果需要更多信息或者翻譯員服務，請致電 Diane Butorac 360-407-6600。
Để biết thêm thông tin hoặc cần thông dịch viên, xin gọi Diane Butorac theo số 360-407-6600.
Contact information
Clean Energy Coordination
cleanenergy@ecy.wa.gov
(360) 407-6600