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Whitman County reopens public comment after SEPA errors found in proposed Wind Code
Summary
County prosecutor announced errors in the SEPA review of the proposed commercial Wind Code and said a new notice will reopen public comment for two weeks; the Board delayed formal consideration of the ordinance until March 2, 2026.
County Prosecutor Denis Tracy told the Board that errors were identified in the recent State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review of the Planning Commission's proposed commercial Wind Code and that a new notice is being issued reopening the public comment period for two weeks. He apologized to the Board, the public and the Planning Commission and clarified that comments already submitted do not need to be resubmitted but may be resent if desired.
Planning Commission member Julian Mathews, who also identified himself as a Nez Perce tribal member, said he had received a letter concerning the Wind Code that referenced land inside the 1855 Treaty area and asked whether affected tribes—including the Nez Perce—had been formally notified; he urged cultural surveys to protect artifacts. Commissioner Chad Whetzel moved, and Commissioner Tom Handy seconded, to change the date for consideration of the Planning Commission's proposed commercial wind ordinance to March 2, 2026 (Clerk-determined time). The motion carried, postponing Board action until after the reopened comment period and any required hearings.
