Welcome to Skagit County

May 7, 2026

Skagit County Accepting Applications for Clean Energy Advisory Group

Skagit County is forming a Clean Energy Advisory Group (CEAG) to provide policy guidance to Planning and Development Services staff in drafting a recommended clean energy code. Skagit County has received a grant through the Washington State Department of Commerce to develop local clean energy development regulations and prepare a programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This EIS will evaluate where different types of clean energy projects can be appropriately sited, as well as assess their potential impacts and identify appropriate mitigation measures. Skagit County has identified the following goals for the project:

Retain local control over clean energy permitting where possible;
Establish clear and consistent standards for project proponents and the public, and;
Ensure that future clean energy development considers community values, environmental impacts, and mitigation strategies informed by public and Tribal input.

More information on the clean energy siting and permitting project can be found on our website: www.skagitcounty.net/CESP

The CEAG will provide feedback on proposed code amendments such as siting criteria and create a more efficient permitting process for clean-energy projects. The effort will assess impacts, mitigation, identify suitable areas for development, and result in predictable permitting for the community and clean energy developers alike. CEAG meetings will be facilitated. The advisory group will make all recommendations using a modified consensus model.

The CEAG will consist of twelve members and will include the following representation:

Three seats are open to any Skagit County resident. An ideal candidate will have background, experience, and/or interest in the following areas: climate change; energy production and conservation; public health; farming; fisheries; forestry; ecosystem conservation; economic development; and/or land use planning.
Three seats are open for three different non-profit groups representing the following interests: environment, vulnerable communities, and land use.
Three seats are reserved for the following: Climate Impact Advisory Committee, Agricultural Advisory Board, and Forest Advisory Board.
One seat will be reserved for a representative from the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County.
One seat will be reserved for a Puget Sound Energy representative.
One seat will be reserved for a Port of Skagit representative.

How to Apply

Interested applicants for the six open seats referenced above can apply to participate on the CEAG by submitting an application through the portal on our website: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/CountyCommissioners/boardsandcommittees.htm

Applicants are required to upload a Letter of Interest to the portal that includes the applicants background, why the applicant is interested in serving on the group, and a statement confirming that the applicant is able to commit to the meeting schedule.

Applications are due by Wednesday, May 27th, at 4:30 p.m.

More information about the CEAG, including the meeting schedule and upcoming open house events, can be found on our website: www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/PlanningAndPermit/applicants.htm

If you have any questions, please contact, Robby Eckroth, Senior Planner, at reckroth@co.skagit.wa.us or at (360) 416-1328.

The Clean Energy Siting and Planning Grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov