Local Governments Have a Role to Play in Building Clean Energy Infrastructure

Washington’s clean energy future depends on more than state laws and long-term climate targets. It will depend on whether local governments are willing to plan for the infrastructure needed to keep power reliable.

A new Seattle Times op-ed by Issaquah City Councilor Kelly Jiang makes that case clearly, especially when it comes to battery energy storage.

State policy sets the direction, but local decisions often determine whether clean energy infrastructure can actually get built. That is especially true for battery storage, which is becoming increasingly important as Washington works to meet rising electricity demand, integrate more renewable energy, and strengthen grid reliability.

Local leadership matters. Clear standards help communities understand how projects will be reviewed. They give developers a more predictable process. And they help ensure that needed infrastructure is evaluated responsibly, rather than caught in uncertainty or misinformation.

Battery storage projects should be reviewed carefully. Communities deserve clear information about safety, siting, operations, and long-term benefits. But a strong review process should also recognize that Washington needs more energy infrastructure, not less.

Battery storage projects like the proposed Cascadia Ridge Resiliency Energy Storage Project are part of that larger conversation. Battery storage can support reliability, create local economic benefits, and help Washington make real progress toward its clean energy goals.

The path forward requires both state leadership and local follow-through. If Washington wants a reliable, cleaner energy future, local governments will need to help create the conditions for responsible projects to move forward.