Governor of Washington Approves Two Cypress Creek Renewables Projects

Yakima, WA – April 17, 2023 – The future of energy production in Washington State is cleaner today after Gov. Jay Inslee signed the site certification agreement for two new solar energy projects in Yakima County. 

The projects, known as High Top and Ostrea, are being developed by leading solar developer Cypress Creek Renewables. Together, the two 80MWac sites will produce enough clean energy to power about 30,000 homes. High Top will also be the first solar and storage project to deliver energy to the Yakima Load Pocket, an area of the grid with difficulty importing electricity. 

“We are so proud today to reach this exciting milestone not only for these two projects, but for the commitment Cypress Creek has made to the state of Washington,” Sarah Slusser, CEO of Cypress Creek Renewables, said. “Our team has taken a thoughtful and impactful approach to siting these projects and we look forward to continuing to be a good neighbor in Yakima County.” 

The projects were recommended to the governor through the state’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) process. In his approval letter the governor said he was encouraged by Cypress Creek’s approach to “mitigate potential environmental impacts raised by stakeholders.” 

TRC, an environmentally focused consulting firm, provided their expertise throughout the process of siting High Top and Ostrea. Construction is expected to begin on the projects in early 2024.