HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 23-113-CCBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Grant County, Washington
RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF RESOLUTION No. 23- -CC
THE HORSE HEAVEN WIND AND
SOLAR PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Scout Clean Energy LLC, applied for site certification with the
Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (Council) for the Horse Heaven Wind
Farm Project on June 8, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project is a wind and solar energygeneration
rp County; and
facility proposed to be located in unincorporated Benton C
WHEREAS, the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project is situated in an area with unique
geological features, comprised of naturally vegetated steep slopes, native habitat, commercially
significant agricultural land, and visual resources; and
WHEREAS, during the Council's public comment periods for the land use consistency
and the draft environmental impact statement, the Board of Count Commissioners
County ssioners emphasized
the County's concerns and opposition to the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to WAC 463-30-050 and WAC 463-30-0660(2), Benton County
y
was deemed to be a party in the adjudicative proceeding for the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project;
and
WHEREAS, Benton County participated in the adjudicative proceedingto determine
whether the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project satisfies B conditional •
. j Benton County's conditional use permit
criteria by submitting briefing and providing pre -filed and live testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project will negatively impact and conflict
with the Horse Heaven Hills viewshed critical areas a p
agricultural lands of long-term commercial
significance, and cultural resources while increasing the risks associated with fire and wildlife;
and
WHEREAS, the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project's industrial use,ro • ect size and
location makes the project inconsistent and in.com atib p '
p le with the required outright permitted uses
in the Growth Management Act Agricultural Zoning District (BCC 11.17.040 nati )' ton
State designation the Washington
g on of long-term commercially agricultural lands, and the required conditional use
permit criteria (BCC. 11.50.040); and
WHEREAS, the Grant County Board of County Commissioners is gravel concerned of
the precedent being set by EFSEC for siting such facilities Y
. g sin areas of cultural significance, long-
term commercially significant agricultural lands, and areas of high -fire -risk and impact to the
health of local residents despite the clear request for denial b p
q y local elected officials, local Nation
tribes and the public.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Grant County Commissioners
hereby opposes the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project.
I
DATED this day of 2023.
ATTEST:
✓ r
arbara J. i,9f,
lerk oft Bar
BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Yea Nay Abstain GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
JZ
Rob Jan air
El 1�e AJ
Cindy Carter, Vice -Char
El
Danny E. one, Member
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