Programmatic EIS

How to comment on the green hydrogen PEIS

Scoping for the green hydrogen PEIS is from March 20 to April 18, 2024. We have released a scoping document which provides information about what green hydrogen facilities are and types of technologies that could be used. It describes what we propose to study in the environmental review, such as the types of facilities and resources. We want your input and feedback on this document

• Scoping handout 
• Scoping handout - Spanish
• How to effectively comment on environmental reviews

Comment form: available online

Comment at virtual public meetings: Register using the links below.

• Presentation slides for virtual public meetings

April 9, 2024, starting at 4 p.m. until either 6 p.m. or comments end

• Zoom registration link

April 11, 2024, starting at noon until either 2 p.m. or comments end

• Zoom registration link

Send comments by U.S. mail:

Clean Energy Coordination
Department of Ecology
PO Box 47709
Olympia, WA 98504-7709

What is a PEIS

Focus sheet – 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

The scoping phase for the green hydrogen PEIS is from March 20 – April 18, 2024. Information on how to comment on the scoping document is above. It provides information about what is planned to be analyzed in the PEIS. This includes information on possible types of facilities, potential environmental impacts, and mitigation actions such as siting and design considerations, permit conditions, and additional measures.

We completed the scoping phase for utility-scale solar energy and for onshore wind energy facilities. Scoping was held Sept. 27 – Oct. 27, 2023. The public comment period is now closed. Scoping reports for solar energy and onshore wind energy 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 EIS 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.