Contact

Submit written comments to Email:
cleanenergy@co.kittitas.wa.us

Mail: Kittitas County Community Development Services
411 N. Ruby Street, Suite 2, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Clean Energy Siting and Permitting Project (CESP)

What is the Kittitas County CESP Project?

In February 2026 Kittitas County entered into a contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce to execute a CESP grant awarded in November of 2025. The grant will fund a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to assist in siting of clean energy facilities within Kittitas County.

Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)

This Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement will be a county-wide assessment of alternative energy development and siting standards. The project will follow a general EIS process including scoping, stakeholder/public/agency input, development of alternatives and selection of alternatives. The "programmatic" element is because the County is initiating this review without any specific project proposal in mind and with the hopes of providing a framework for alternative energy developers that is predictable, environmentally responsible, and in line with community interests. The County wil host stakeholder meetings, public input workshops, comment periods and multiple public hearings throughout this process. In addition to the PEIS the County will revisit our alternative energy development regulations to reflect the results of the PEIS. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2027.

Project Goals

The Kittitas County CESP Project goals are to:

• Determine what energy types are most suitable for permitting,
• Retain local control of permitting in Kittitas County for identified energy projects,
• Develop and/or modify county code, where appropriate, so project applicants and the public understand:
  • Where uses may be appropriate,
  • What studies and information are necessary to evaluate applications, and
  • The types of mitigation which may be appropriate for energy projects that are proposed in Kittitas County.
• Where energy uses may be appropriate, create a streamlined permitting process.

Project Process and Schedule

The CESP Project is expected to take place over several phases beginning in February 2026 and ending in June 2027.

Key milestones include

• Selection of energy uses to study
• Preparation and release of draft EIS
• Select a preferred energy siting and permitting approach
• Issue final EIS
• Develop and adopt updated permitting process based on the CESP Project findings

How to Get Involved

Throughout the project, opportunities to learn more and share your input will be posted on the project website and social media.

Key opportunities to share your voice include

• Attend an open house to learn about the project and share comments,
• Submit comments online or in writing,
• Visit our table at community events as the project progresses, and/or
• Attend public meetings when draft development regulations are released

Project Documents

Engagement Opportunities