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February 9, 2026

National Gold Award — Studies Research, Consulting

Photo courtesy of ACEC
The first-of-its kind PEIS offered a broad-based look at implementing hydrogen energy and guidance on future evaluations, design and construction timelines, as well as potential locations.

HDR
Green Hydrogen Energy Facility PEIS
Washington State Department of Ecology

The State Environmental Policy Act Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Green Hydrogen Energy Facilities in Washington State (PEIS) is a first-of-its kind evaluation of potential impacts and mitigation for implementing hydrogen energy at a broad level.

The report provides a framework for local governments, state agencies and tribal communities to evaluate green hydrogen proposals, considering key factors such as environmental impacts, tribal interests, habitat connectivity and land use.

The intent was to:

• Support the state’s clean energy transition, while protecting the environment, Tribal rights and resources, and local communities.

• Identify the range of probable significant adverse environmental impacts green hydrogen facilities can pose.

• Identify general potential mitigation measures for impacts.

• Provide information for siting and design that may be used to help avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts in future proposed projects.

• Provide information for lead agencies to consider when conducting environmental reviews for green hydrogen facilities.

The PEIS evaluated production facilities, production facilities with battery energy storage systems, storage facilities and a no-action alternative. It looked at both green electrolytic hydrogen, produced through electrolysis, and renewable hydrogen, produced from sustainable resources.

The study was designed to complement future site-specific environmental studies, with an extensive list of considerations, such as laws, regulations, permits, coordination, land use, siting, design, construction, restoration and decommissioning. The project team worked alongside a half-dozen state agencies to discuss methodologies, information sources, and measures to reduce or avoid impacts. They engaged the community, Native American Tribes and news organizations to gather public input.

The challenge of developing a first-of-its kind PEIS was abundant. The team created a list of permits, licenses and approvals that come with site-specific projects, while also considering the overarching programmatic approach. Their effort offered a broad-based look at implementing hydrogen energy, while also offering guidance on future evaluations, design and construction timelines, and potential locations.

Completed on budget and on an accelerated timeline, the report provides a blueprint for transitioning to a hydrogen-powered future.


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