NEWS RELEASE: April 18, 2024
On February 8, 2021, Scout Clean Energy submitted an application for site certification for the Horse Heaven wind project, a wind turbine, solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) facility proposed in Benton County.
On April 17, 2024, the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the Horse Heaven Wind project at the monthly council meeting.
During the April 17, 2024 Council meeting, EFSEC Chair Kathleen Drew said, “By partially approving the Horse Heaven wind and solar project, EFSEC is balancing the need for renewable, clean energy with potential impacts on tribal cultural resources, wildlife, and surrounding communities. We thank the hundreds of community members who took the time to participate and share their opinions on this project.”
EFSEC will submit its formal recommendation package to Governor Inslee before the end of April.
Governor Inslee has 60 days to take one of the following actions:
- Approve the Council's recommendation and execute the site certification agreement (SCA)
- Reject the application
- Direct the council to reconsider certain aspects of the project and SCA
Multiple opportunities for public comment were provided throughout EFSEC’s review of the application for site certification, and these comments informed the recommendation. Prior to taking its final vote, EFSEC conducted a public comment period on the draft SCA and draft recommendation report from April 1-April 10 and received approximately 970 public comment submissions. Comments received during this final comment period were considered in the final vote.
Administrative relief may be available through a petition for reconsideration, filed within 20 days of the service of the orders within the recommendation package to the governor. If any such petition for reconsideration is filed, the deadline for answers is 14 days after the date of service of each such petition, see RCW 80.50.100.
Information about this project can be found on EFSEC’s website at: https://www.efsec.wa.gov/energy-facilities/horse-heaven-wind-project