The controversial decision to permit a wind farm project to be built in the Horse Heaven Hills has prompted a Kennewick Republican to introduce legislation that would remove the governor from the approval process. 

Matt Boehnke

State Sen. Matt Boehnke filed the bill after saying the recent Energy Facility Siting Evaluation Council process to approve a revised site certification agreement for the Horse Heaven wind farm in his district did not properly account for local concerns and gave the governor too much authority. 

“Removing the governor from the final approval process would have the added benefits of depoliticizing the process and help make this process more efficient and effective,” Boehnke said in a release. “This bill will apply to any governor and seeks to improve an important state process.  

Boehnke expects the bill to be considered by the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, of which he is the ranking Republican for the 2025 legislative session.  

If passed, the bill is not retroactive or specific to any particular project.