Gov. Inslee names Drew as state’s new EFSEC chair

Olympia – Gov. Jay Inslee has named Kathleen Drew as the chair of the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.

EFSEC reviews siting proposals for major energy infrastructure projects proposed in the state.

Drew is a former state senator, and currently assistant director of the Washington State Department of Licensing’s Business and Professions Division.

She will assume her new role Jan. 16.

Drew will replace interim EFSEC chair Roselyn Marcus, who stepped into the role in September after the resignation of Bill Lynch.

After Drew assumes her new responsibilities, Marcus will return to the Office of Financial Management.

According to a news release, Inslee has asked Drew to perform a strategic review of EFSEC. The governor wants her to consider whether the council’s membership should be broadened, look for ways to consolidate and streamline the council’s work, and reassess its scope and role — given the changes in the energy industry and the state’s need for reliable, affordable and clean energy.