Dye proposes limits to governor's power

OLYMPIA – Legislation proposed by Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, seeks to give local counties and tribes final say in approving wind and solar energy projects, stripping Washington's governor of the authority to override local decisions.

The bill, House Bill 1188, was discussed in the House Environment and Energy Committee on Monday, Jan. 20. Dye said the bill responds to Gov. Jay Inslee's approval of the 74,600-acre Horse Heavens wind and solar project near the Tri-Cities, which faced opposition from Benton County, local residents, and the Yakama Nation.

"[Governor Inslee] steamrolled over the con...