Despite a wet winter so far, the drought declared in April 2024 is still in effect, state ecology officials say. Experts are still watching for definitive evidence of sustained drought recovery, such as improved snowpack, streamflows and soil moisture.
The report, led by experts from Washington State University and the University of Washington, described the citizen-led commission as “dysfunctional” and in need of reform. State lawmakers are discussing the effectiveness of the commission’s structure and what can be done to improve it – including potentially dissolving the citizen-led panel altogether.
Two U.S. lawmakershave introduced new legislation to ensure the continued operation of the Lower Snake River dams to provide power and irrigation to the region.
The three plaintiffs challenging a wind and solar power facility in the Horse Heaven Hills share in their legal challenges a laundry list of how Gov. Jay Inslee, state agencies and the courts allegedly have violated everything from state environmental protection laws to local land use planning regulations and limited access to proceedings around the decision.
Republican state Sen. Matt Boehnke filed a bill after saying the recent Energy Facility Siting Evaluation Councilprocess to approve the siting of the Horse Heaven wind farm in his district did not properly account for local concerns and gave the governor too much authority.
A $6.2 million expansion at Tidewater’s Snake River Terminal in Pasco marks a “significant step in the region’s transition toward cleaner energy solutions,” the company said.
The new executive director selected to lead the Tri-City charge toward clean power, specifically next-generation nuclear power, is passionate about his new mission.
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