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FSEC opens public comment on draft statewide transmission programmatic EIS; clarifies it is not tied to PacifiCorp project
Summary
Amy Hoffgemeier, Director of Siting and Compliance for the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, opened a public comment call for the council’s draft transmission programmatic environmental impact statement, saying the document “was issued for public comment on March 31, and public comment will be open through April 30.”
Amy Hoffgemeier, Director of Siting and Compliance for the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, opened a public comment call for the council’s draft transmission programmatic environmental impact statement, saying the document “was issued for public comment on March 31, and public comment will be open through April 30.”
The draft is a non‑project, programmatic environmental review directed by Senate Bill 5165, intended to assess environmental impacts of transmission planning across Washington rather than evaluate a specific transmission line, Hoffgemeier said. “It is not a project that is connected to our document,” she said when asked whether the document covered a separate PacifiCorp transmission proposal.
The council invited verbal comments on the call and gave three written submission options: the online portal comments.fsec.wa.gov, email to comments@fsec.wa.gov, or by speaking during scheduled public comment periods. Hoffgemeier said staff would take any contact information provided and follow up on technical questions raised during the call.
Caller Catherine Jarvis asked for an overview of the purpose of the call. Hoffgemeier described the draft PEIS as “more of a planning document,” reiterating that it does not evaluate an individual project. Caller Doug Howell asked whether the draft addresses the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s new Order No. 1920; Hoffgemeier asked Howell to share his contact information so staff could follow up with a detailed answer. Andrea (staff member) noted a hand raised by Howell during the call.
Amy Hoffgemeier and other FSEC staff paused the meeting twice to check for additional speakers; with no further commenters the meeting concluded early. Hoffgemeier reminded listeners that the comment period runs through April 30 and repeated the council’s submission methods and contact options. Ms. Grantham (staff member) posted contact information in the Teams chat during the call; staff invited commenters to use that channel or the published email and portal.
The session contained clarification and intake of questions but no formal council actions, votes or decisions. Staff indicated they would respond directly to specific technical questions submitted by callers and by email.
