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during the hearing, off the testimonies received, minutes and <br /> the recording of the hearing. <br /> COMMISSIONER HINKLE moved to approve the Findings of Fact <br /> submitted by staff. COMMISSIONER CARLSON seconded. <br /> Discussion - COMMISSIONER HINKLE stated that staff did a <br /> really good job compiling and presenting the Findings of <br /> Fact . Motion passed 7-0 . <br /> Introductions of staff and consultants occurred. <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> CLEAN ENERGY SITING AND PERMITTING (CESP) GRANT <br /> CDS DIRECTOR BALA provided a brief introduction of the project . <br /> He sated CDS received a grant in the amount of $790, 000 for <br /> clean energy siting and permitting. This allows us to do, <br /> through the Department of Commerce, a programmatic EIS over the <br /> entire Kittitas county to take a look at our existing energy <br /> uses, solar, wind, and battery storage items that we already <br /> process with respect to utilities under the code . It also allows <br /> us to look at other types of energy uses that may be feasible in <br /> Kittitas county to where we can bring in some economic drivers <br /> regarding that industry. The goal is to complete this project <br /> the end of June 2027 . <br /> ZOEY TAPERT, Kimley-Horn, presented the PowerPoint presentation. <br /> She stated this project is a review and potential update of the <br /> local permitting process for established and energy <br /> technologies . This will be done by completing a Programmatic <br /> Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate suitable areas <br /> and mitigation measures for different potential energy uses . The <br /> energy uses to be studied include utility scale solar, utility <br /> scale wind, geothermal energy, battery energy storage systems <br /> (BESS) , and small modular reactors (SMRs) . <br /> The project goals are to determine what clean energy types are <br /> most suitable for permitting, to strengthen community control of <br /> permitting in Kittitas County for identified energy projects, <br /> develop and/or modify county code where appropriate, and create <br /> a streamlined permitting process where energy uses may be <br /> appropriate . <br /> COMMISSIONER HINKLE asked why transmission is not on the list of <br /> energy uses to be studied. ZOEY TAPERT stated the energy uses <br /> that were selected were part of the grant application and ones <br /> that received confirmation from the Board of County <br /> Commissioners . COMMISSIONER HINKLE asked if we are going to do <br /> 2026-4-14 MINUTES 2 <br />