Community Assessment

Whitman County is the 10th-largest county in Washington State, with a population of just under 50,000. Its median age of 25 years reflects the presence of Washington State University in Pullman, a campus of 32,000 students. The 18% poverty rate is twice that of the state figure, and this is also due to the student population. The County is largely Republican, with pockets of Democrats in Pullman. This area is known for its beautiful landscape, especially the region known as the Palouse. Local and state residents share concern for the preservation of views, changes in land use, and the health of the environment. These are cross-party issues, although the methods of achieving these goals can differ. Generally, this is an area of well-educated people, again, influenced by the university and also the large local governments. The Washington State DNR is soliciting developers for solar leases in Klickitat County. 

The zoning map is available only in the County’s offices, but the site is a presumed agricultural district. The County has a wind ordinance, but nothing for solar. The application for a Conditional Use Permit is handled by the County’s Board of Adjustments. State approval and certification by EFSEC is still required.

Eastern Washingtonians sometimes feel that their issues are overshadowed by those of the more populous, liberal Seattle-Tacoma area. This was exacerbated by COVID-19 mandates and the Governor’s renewable energy mandates. We recommend engagement focused on preserving regional autonomy and the rural lifestyle through conservation and private (family) land retention; autonomy of land use decisions; and economic development without increased density. Support of renewable energy research partnerships or programs at Washington State University–a goal of the County’s comprehensive plan–would be welcomed.