First Clean Energy Advisory Group meeting to be held on Friday, July 17

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The first Clean Energy Advisory Group meeting will take place on Friday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Skagit PUD Aqua Room, located at 1415 Freeway Drive in Mount Vernon, in the new building at the back of the PUD parking lot.

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), according to a news release from the county. 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.

Skagit County has established the Clean Energy Advisory Group to provide policy guidance to Planning and Development Services staff as they draft recommended clean energy code updates. These code amendments will include siting criteria and streamline the permitting process for clean‑energy projects. The effort will evaluate potential impacts, identify suitable areas for development, propose mitigation strategies, and support a predictable permitting process for both the community and clean‑energy developers.

For more information, including meeting materials and future meeting dates, visit: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/PlanningAndPermit/applicants.htm