County battery-storage project near Snoqualmie draws safety questions from commissioners

A commissioner raised alarm about fire and public-safety risks after attending a crowded public meeting about a proposed Jupiter Power battery-storage facility near Snoqualmie, saying the turnout and local concern made the project "a big deal" for the community.

The commissioner, Gary Skiba, said he attended the meeting and was struck by a lack of information and strong public reaction: "I was a little shocked, at the lack of information about this meeting," he said, adding that the event drew news coverage and a packed audience. He described learning about the project's fire-containment plans and said, "At a minimum, they've got a fire hazard issue," while acknowledging he did not have full technical details.

City staff (Monica) told the commission the site is in King County's jurisdiction and the city has limited direct regulatory control. "The project is in King County's jurisdiction. The city really has no say in that project," she said, adding that the applicant had withdrawn its application and planned to resubmit. Monica said she expects a SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review and public-comment period when the application returns to the county, and that the city would provide comments during that process.

Commissioners discussed the potential local consequences if the project proceeds. Staff said the parcel sits in the city's urban growth area and that annexation would be required for the city to receive property-tax revenue; at present the parcel remains in unincorporated King County. Speakers offered differing size estimates for the site: one staff remark referenced a "35-acre parcel," while another speaker described it as "25 acres," a discrepancy the commission did not resolve during the meeting.

The mayoral representative said city staff and council are monitoring the situation and preparing additional public information and responses: the mayor "is absolutely leaning into" residents' concerns, the representative said, noting the city is coordinating internally on communications and emergency-response considerations.

Next steps include county-led resubmission by the applicant, an anticipated SEPA review and public-comment opportunities. The commission encouraged residents to direct substantive regulatory concerns to King County during that process while the city tracks the timeline and readiness of county notifications.