CENSE is the voice of the community for smart energy choices for the Eastside. We are volunteer-run and donor-funded, in our fifth year of meeting with city government and the WUTC to challenge the need for Energize Eastside. Click to learn more…
CENSE Goals
- Stop the unnecessary, unsafe, unwise “Energize Eastside” transmission line
- Advocate for clean, reliable, cost-effective energy for our region
Latest News
Dec 4, 2019
CENSE Interviewed by Seattle Times and KUOW
CENSE President Don Marsh was interviewed by Seattle Times and KUOW Radio about the current status of permitting for Energize Eastside. The Seattle Times article was printed in the Dec 4th paper and the KUOW interview was broadcast on Dec 2nd. Listen and read here.
Nov 22, 2019
New CENSE Initiative in response to Permit Approval
We are launching a 3 pronged initiative in response to the Bellevue City Council’s approval of permits for PSE’s Energize Eastside. Read more here.
Nov 15, 2019
Bellevue Council rejects citizen appeals
Under the close scrutiny of PSE vice-president Andy Wappler, the Bellevue City Council unanimously rejected residents’ appeals against PSE’s Energize Eastside project on Thursday night, Nov 14th. Read more here.
Nov 4, 2019
Bellevue Reporter Article covering Appeal Hearing
Excellent article in the Bellevue Reporter covering the Energize Eastside Appeal Hearing and arguments made CENSE attorney, Rick Aramburu. Details here.
Oct 16, 2019
Public Appeal Hearing yields no decision
Five appeals were heard by Bellevue City Council on the evening of Oct 16th. The appeals challenge the decision by the Hearing Examiner to approve Energize Eastside permits in Bellevue. After hearing 2 hours of testimony, the Council said they need at least a month to decide. Details here.
Oct 15, 2019
Mayor refuses CENSE’s recusal request
Our attorney, Rick Aramburu, filed a complaint requesting that Bellevue Mayor John Chelminiak recuse himself from the Energize Eastside appeal hearing due to the city’s bias in favor of Energize Eastside. (CENSE’s letter can be found here). A few days later, the Mayor refused, saying he’s not responsible for information published by the city. Details here.
Public Hearings
In order to build Energize Eastside, PSE must get approval from Bellevue, Newcastle, and Renton. Each city must hold a public hearing to create the legal record for a decision. The outcome in any or all of the cities can be appealed to the courts. In Bellevue, the city council hears the appeal before it goes to court.
The Public Hearing on the south Bellevue segment was held March 28th to April 8th. After nearly three months of deliberation, the Hearing Examiner approved the project. Appeals filed by CENSE and four other appellants were heard by the Bellevue City Council on October 16th. The Council said they will need at least a month to decide on the appeals. For details about the March hearing, including video, photos, and the complete CENSE legal notebook, see our Hearing Information Page.
Early in 2019, Newcastle hired Synapse, an industry consultant, to perform an independent evaluation of the need for Energize Eastside. The consultant was also asked to study the safety risks of installing large poles very close to 50-year-old petroleum pipelines located near downtown Newcastle and several residential neighborhoods. The results of the study were expected in March 2019, but PSE has withheld crucial information that prevents the consultant from reaching conclusions. Newcastle’s public hearing is not expected until the first quarter of 2020 at the earliest.
PSE’s application to build Energize Eastside in Renton is on hold while a consultant evaluates the consistency of PSE’s permit application with the Environmental Impact Statement. A final report is expected this fall. No date for Renton’s public hearing has been set.
In 3 minutes, you will get a quick overview of CENSE, Energize Eastside and CENSE’s vision of better ways to provide the Eastside with reliable electricity. Help us spread the word. Please share with your friends and post on your social media.
and we’ll keep you up to date on Energize Eastside and our efforts to promote better solutions.
Get Involved
Spread the word! Tell your neighbors about CENSE and Energize Eastside.
Donate to CENSE so we can represent you in the legal battle against Energize Eastside!
Get Connected
Connect with us on social media and spread the word to your friends, family and community!
Support CENSE!
Your donation helps us to represent you in our promotion of smart energy choices for the Eastside.
What else can I do?
As a grassroots organization, our strength comes through member participation. Together we’ll ensure a safe and smart energy future for our community.
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