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State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council welcomes a new member
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council welcomes a new council member today.
Kate Kelly has been appointed by the Washington Department of Commerce to serve as the Commerce representative on EFSEC. She replaces a vacant position on the council previously held by Liz Green-Taylor, who departed from the council last year.
Kelly is a senior energy policy specialist at Commerce. She has a strong background in energy and environmental policy — she previously served as the policy director for the Washington Attorney General’s Office, held two director positions at the Environmental Protection Agency, worked in environmental quality and natural resources in Idaho, and served as an Idaho state senator for six years. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University, a master’s degree from the University of Idaho College of Mines, and a law degree from the University of Utah College of Law.
EFSEC is the state agency charged with providing “one-stop” licensing for certain types of major energy projects in Washington. EFSEC specifies the conditions of construction and operation. The council also manages an environmental and safety oversight program of facility and site operations.
EFSEC is an independent council that is administratively housed at the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The council consists of a chair, appointed by the governor, and council members from five state agencies: Department of Commerce, Department of Ecology, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, and the Utilities and Transportation Commission.
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