Planning and Development Services
Project OverviewThe purpose of the Skagit County Clean Energy Siting and Permitting project is to adopt clean energy regulations in unincorporated Skagit County by May 2027. Due to the unprecedented growth in energy demand across Washington State, along with new state mandates requiring that future energy projects be clean-energy based, Skagit County is receiving a rising number of inquiries and applications for new energy developments. The Washington State Department of Commerce has developed grant opportunities to support the planning of clean energy projects across the state. Skagit County received a Clean Energy Siting and Permitting (CESP) grant 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:
Project Process and ScheduleThe CESP Project is expected to take place over several phases beginning in Spring 2026 and extending to May 2027. Key milestones include, an EIS scoping period with public comment opportunities, preparation and release of a Draft EIS, issuance of a Final EIS, and development and adoption of clean energy siting and permitting code amendments. Engagement activities, coordination with agencies and Tribal governments, and updates to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners will occur throughout the project. A high-level schedule will be maintained on this website and updated as the project progresses. Project Steps and Timeline
How to Get InvolvedThroughout the project there will be opportunities to follow progress on the project website, as well as attending the project open houses schedule for June and Fall 2026. The project website will be updated as meetings and other opportunities for engagement are scheduled. Below are the upcoming opportunities for engagement: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Scoping Comment Period and Open HousesOn May 14th, 2026, Skagit County will issue a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Significance and scoping notice which will include a comment period and three EIS scoping meetings held in the form of open houses. The Determination of Significance and Scoping Notice will be linked to the website soon. The scoping meeting open houses a resource for the public to learn about the project and help identify key issues, potential impacts, alternatives to study, and community concerns before the project begins. Below are the location and times of the open houses.
Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioner Meetings
Clean Energy Advisory GroupAs part of this project Skagit County is convening a Clean Energy Advisory Group. The purpose of the Clean Energy Advisory Group is to provide policy guidance to Planning and Development Services staff in drafting a recommended Clean Energy Code. Code amendments will include 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. Skagit County Planning and Development Services is accepting applications for six open seats on the Clean Energy Advisory Group. Three seats are open to any Skagit County resident and three seats are open for three different non-profit groups representing the following interests: environment, vulnerable communities, and land use. For more information, please click the link below: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/PlanningAndPermit/applicants.htm Frequently Asked QuestionsContact the Department |