EFSEC

Washington's energy-siting council heard a sobering forecast: the Northwest could be 9 gigawatts short of firm power by 2030. Plus a new Commerce councilmember, a finalized tribal-consultation policy, a solar-farm brush fire, and two ownership transfers headed for a July vote.

As EFSEC prepares for a major leadership transition, local officials clash over public comment deadlines and new tribal consultation laws for the Cascade Renewable Transmission line. Plus: corporate shakeups in regional solar arrays and rare vandalism at Kittitas Valley Wind.

At their April 2026 meeting, the EFSEC Council advances the Cascade Renewable Transmission project to SEPA scoping, approves crucial wildlife plans for Horse Heaven, and breathes a sigh of relief as a 15% state budget cut is reversed.