Tell Leaders: Invest in the Energy Infrastructure Washington Needs
Washington adopted an aggressive, nation-leading decarbonization agenda when it enacted the Clean Energy Transformation Act (2019) and the Climate Commitment Act (2021). Since the passage of those landmark laws, the state's energy transition has stalled, and Washington today ranks dead last in the United States in clean energy growth.
This is unacceptable. To get Washington back on track, we must accelerate the development of both clean energy generation projects and the grid infrastructure needed to support them. Battery energy storage projects, like the proposed Cascadia Ridge Resiliency Energy Storage Project in Snoqualmie, play a critical role in building a modern, reliable, resilient energy grid. These systems store electricity when it is available and deliver it when demand is highest, helping support renewable energy sources like wind and solar while ensuring homes, businesses, and essential services have power when they need it most.
These projects also create union jobs, generate local tax revenue, strengthen grid reliability, help Washington meet rising energy demand, and improve preparedness for extreme weather.
Sign the petition today and urge local leaders to support the energy infrastructure projects needed to put Washington's clean energy transition back on track.
Dear Executive Zahilay and Members of the King County Council—
I am writing to share my perspective as a resident of King County who supports Washington's decarbonization goals. Achieving these goals will require turning policy commitments into action by building the clean energy infrastructure needed to modernize our grid, including battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.
First, I want to thank King County leadership for enacting a thoughtful BESS ordinance in 2024 that establishes strict standards and a process that will only allow safe, responsible projects to move forward. Requiring these facilities to comply with modern fire codes, safety requirements, and other science-based siting regulations is necessary for the responsible development of this critically important technology.
Second, I want to express my strong support for the utilization of BESS as a cornerstone of the County's energy strategy. With facilities like the proposed Cascadia Ridge Resiliency project in Snoqualmie, clean energy like wind and solar can be stored when its abundant and dispatched when its needed most, strengthening grid reliability and helping communities remain resilient as our energy system continues to face greater strain.
BESS technology is already operating safely across the country as a cornerstone of modern electric grids. With the right regulations in place - which King County has now with the passage of the 2024 ordinance - they can integrate seamlessly to keep the lights on for our communities and enable the transition to clean energy while creating jobs for the union workforce, tax revenue for public services, and a strong foundation for future growth.
Thank you for considering my comment, and please continue your leadership in standing up for the infrastructure needed to support King County's future.
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