On Friday, November 1, Governor Jay Inslee announced his approval of the Horse Heaven Wind Project in Benton County, following the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council’s (EFSEC) revised recommendation.  

Since the start of this nearly four-year evaluation process, Audubon Washington has been clear about its position on the project, which is centered on protecting birds from the threat of habitat destruction while advocating for the buildout of clean energy infrastructure. 

The governor’s final decision, pending a 30-day appeal window, incorporates specific mitigation measures to address wildlife and habitat concerns raised by Audubon Washington and other stakeholders, but some project details are still yet to be finalized. 

Balancing Clean Energy and Wildlife Conservation 

Governor Inslee’s approval of this project seeks to balance a commitment to advancing clean energy with safeguarding Washington’s biodiversity. The revised Site Certification Agreement (SCA) includes measures aimed at protecting species such as the state-endangered Ferruginous Hawk and preserving critical habitats, with much of the detail to be worked out by a Pre-construction Technical Advisory Group (PTAG).  

If done right, this approach aligns with Audubon Washington’s advocacy for responsible renewable energy development that avoids, minimizes, and mitigates environmental impacts. As we wrote in an op-ed published in the Tri-City Herald in August, the urgency to combat climate change should not come at the expense of the state’s species recovery goals, biodiversity or habitat connectivity, which is critical for ecosystem resilience.  

Streamlining Clean Energy Siting 

In his final response to EFSEC’s proposal, the governor emphasized the need for a more efficient clean energy siting process, noting that prolonged timelines hinder progress toward meeting the state’s climate goals. He urged EFSEC to identify opportunities to increase efficiency and provide more timely decision-making. 

Audubon Washington supports this call for a streamlined approach that integrates environmental considerations and cultural values early in the planning stages. It’s why we are advocating for the state to flip the model for clean energy siting by creating and overseeing a “Build Ready” program that pre-screens potential clean energy project sites for environmental and cultural values, and then makes those sites available to willing developers.  

By adopting a “Build-Ready” model, Washington can achieve its clean energy goals while preserving the natural habitats birds and other wildlife depend on for survival. 

Next Steps: Enhanced Oversight 

To ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures, Governor Inslee directed the rapid formation of a Pre-construction Technical Advisory Group (PTAG) within 14 days, aiming to complete the PTAG process within 120 days. This group is tasked with working collaboratively to address outstanding wildlife and habitat issues (including buffers for historic Ferruginous Hawk nests) before construction begins.  

Audubon Washington will partner with our local chapter affiliates to monitor this process and advocate for robust conservation measures that align with our goals. 

Looking Ahead 

The Horse Heaven Wind Project’s journey underscores the need for a forward-thinking approach to siting clean energy, integrating environmental considerations from the outset. Moving forward, Audubon Washington will continue to be the voice for birds, championing clean energy solutions that help us reach our climate goals while safeguarding local wildlife and tribal cultural values.