In order for PSE to build Energize Eastside, there are two processes which must be completed: The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and a Conditional Use Permit Application.

The EIS process began in April 2015. The Phase 1 Draft EIS phase was completed in 2015 and the Phase 2 Draft EIS was completed in July 2017 after a 2 month public review and commenting period. The final EIS was released March 1st 2018. More information about the final EIS can be found on this page: Energize Eastside EIS

PSE must also file an application to build the project (a Conditional Use Permit, or CUP) with each of the affected cities (Redmond, Bellevue, Newcastle, Renton). PSE filed permit applications for the south Bellevue sections, Newcastle, and Renton. They have not specified a date when they will apply for the additional permits. For more information on permits, see our Permit Information Page. You can use our Permit Application Comment Guide to help you submit your comments to the city.

Once PSE submits an application for a CUP, each city will appoint a Hearing Examiner (Administrative Law Judge) to review the evidence and conduct a hearing.  The hearing will create the legal record for the project that will become the basis for subsequent appeals to city councils or the courts.  In Newcastle, any appeal would go directly to Superior Court.  In the other cities, the city council would vote on an appeal.  After that, the decision could be appealed to the Superior Court.  Either side might appeal an adverse outcome to the Court of Appeals and eventually the State Supreme Court. The hearing is expected to be sometime in mid 2018. Sign up for our newsletter to receive news updates on this process.

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Further Information:

• CENSE’s Permit Information Page for Energize Eastside permit status and docs
• Bellevue’s Hearing Examiner – a description of the Bellevue Hearing Examiner process, the rules of procedure and other details
• EIS website – The official Energize Eastside Environmental Impact Study website
• State of Washington SEPA website – frequently asked questions (FAQ), including a full explanation of an EIS

Links to city land use codes:

• Bellevue
• Newcastle
• Redmond
• Renton