This new program flips the way we find land for turbines and solar panels in rural WA | Opinion

The passage of the Clean Energy Transformation Act in 2019 was a watershed moment for Washington State.

The landmark bill charts a path to 100% clean electricity by 2045, slashing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the growth of renewable energy sources like solar.

Successful implementation of this law will foster healthier and more prosperous communities across our state, but finding places to put all the required clean energy infrastructure is one of the thorniest challenges in realizing this future.

Energy projects of the past have largely been developed without considering the social, economic, and ecological impacts on the communities they serve. Given the scale and scope of this transition, this type of narrow thinking is no longer acceptable.

According to a Seattle Times analysis, more than 20 solar projects covering more than 22,000 acres have been proposed in Washington as of May 2021, with nearly all slated for development in the eastern part of the state. The largest proposed clean energy project, the Horse Heaven Wind Farm proposed just south of Tri-Cities, covers ten square miles of land for wind, solar, and battery storage. Given the impact on residents and stakeholders across the region, it is clear we need inclusive solutions that meet the needs of our communities, our economy, and our natural and cultural heritage. Thankfully, funding and directives provided by the state lay the foundation for a more comprehensive approach to clean energy development.

A new Least-Conflict Solar Siting report, Least-Conflict Solar Siting on the Columbia Plateau, recently released by the Washington State University Energy Program offers a unique opportunity to pursue a more informed and inclusive decision-making process from the earliest stages of project conception. WSU led the voluntary, collaborative, non- regulatory effort that engaged relevant stakeholders, Tribes, and public agencies in a process to identify least-conflict areas for utility-scale solar development. The intent was to reduce land use conflicts and minimize negative impacts on natural and working lands while increasing solar energy production.

Development of the tool involved intensive input from a variety of sectors, including solar, farmland, ranchland, and environmental conservation interests. Together, groups like Audubon Washington and American Farmland Trust contributed to the creation of maps that provide a starting point for the identification of areas of “least conflict” for solar development. Direct and meaningful consultation with Tribes remains an important step for any project proposal.

As an organization committed to environmental stewardship and bird conservation, Audubon Washington worked hard to secure funding for the development of the least-conflict solar tool in the legislature. We see this tool as an opportunity to flip the standard development model by placing communities at the heart of the decision-making process. It is an approach that recognizes that local knowledge, cultural heritage, and lived experiences are invaluable in shaping sustainable and equitable energy solutions.

By accessing the tool’s advanced mapping technology and comprehensive data sets, decision-makers in local, state, and tribal governments can wisely prioritize the preservation of prime farmland, protect vital habitats for birds and wildlife, and foster sustainable community development. Solar developers can also use the tool to pursue projects in areas where there is less potential for conflict around landscape values.

The WSU siting tool is not just a technological achievement; it represents a shared vision for responsible energy siting here in Washington and elsewhere. It is also a shining example of what can be achieved when many voices come together to find solutions to the urgent challenges of our time.

We encourage community leaders to seize this opportunity and champion community-centered clean energy development. Let us create spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and shared decision-making that uplift the voices of community members and tribal nations. Together we can cultivate a future where clean energy coexists harmoniously with thriving ecosystems, vibrant farmlands, and resilient communities.

Deborah Jensen, PhD, is the executive director of Audubon Washington, the state field office of the National Audubon Society.