Latest EFSEC Recommendation on Horse Heaven Hills

The Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) has a new recommendation for approval of the Horse Heaven Hills Solar and Wind Project with some modifications. The project, proposed by Scout Clean Energy, includes up to 222 wind turbines about 500 feet tall or 141 turbines about 670 feet tall, along with solar arrays and battery storage. On Friday September 13th the EFSEC voted 4-3 to approve the newest project approval. 

The council’s recommendation will now go to Governor Jay Inslee for a final decision. The project has faced opposition from some local residents and groups concerned about its impact on the landscape and wildlife, including endangered ferruginous hawks and traditional cultural properties important to the Yakama Nation.

The new recommendation reduces many of the restrictions EFSEC placed on the project in its last recommendation.

Key Differences in the New Recommendation:

• Turbine Restrictions: The new recommendation imposes fewer limitations on the placement of turbines compared to the previous one. The earlier recommendation required eliminating about half of the proposed turbines unless they could be relocated within the project boundaries. The new recommendation impacts fewer turbines, specifically those near endangered ferruginous hawk nests, traditional cultural properties important to the Yakama Nation, and aerial firefighting zones.

• Environmental and Cultural Protections: While still maintaining protections for wildlife, habitat, and cultural properties, the new recommendation is more tailored to balance these concerns with the state’s clean energy goals.

• Governor’s Input: Governor Inslee had previously sent the recommendation back to EFSEC, asking for changes that better prioritize the state’s clean energy needs. The new recommendation reflects this directive by reducing the number of turbines affected by restrictions.
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While this may be the latest recommendation to the Governor's office, it may not be the end of the story. You can read more about the latest recommendation here.