2026-06-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CDS Director Bala introduced Planner Ellie Myer to present the CESP staff report and update. Planner Ellie Myers stated that staff and Kimley-Horn are moving forward with the CESP project. The goal of the project is to determine which clean energy types are most suitable and appropriate for siting and permitting. Three alternatives have been identified and they are outlined in the memo attached. Planner Myers stated the environmental impact study (EIS) scoping comment period ran from April 16 through May 18 and staff received a total of 17 comments. Staff held three EIS scoping events, two were held on May 2nd, one in upper county and one in lower county, which had approximately 80 attendees. The third one was held in Easton and had an additional 20 attendees. Staff has completed the draft EIS outline and the framing questions. The next steps are to conduct a stakeholder and tribal meeting for summer 2026, continue working on the draft EIS this fall, issue the draft EIS this fall, and hold additional public comment periods and open houses. Commissioner Wright asked if there had been any feedback from the participants. Planner Myers stated participants commented on the energies they want staff to focus on, updating the overlay areas for solar and wind, concerns over siting in Ag land or open range, and support for geothermal energy. At the events there was a lot positive interactions towards the small scale nuclear, but the comments we received did not reflect that. OTHER BUSINESS CDS Director Bala stated that Washington State Department of Commerce asked our office if there was a want for extra money, they are looking at around $100,000-$150,000. Staff is waiting to hear back on the timeline of receiving the funds. Staff is thinking about using it for some feasibility analysis regarding building or tagging it along with our MID code that we recently adopted. Meeting concluded at 2:35 p.m. 2026-6-22 MINUTES 2