December 22, 2025 –
The United States Navy has completed the Final Amended Analysis to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for EA-18G “Growler” Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Complex, Washington, September 2018, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, Administrative Procedures Act, and the orders of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, and has filed the Final Amended Analysis with the District Court.
The Amended Analysis (1) updates greenhouse gas emissions calculations and explains the basis for those calculations; (2) clarifies and expands on the analysis of species-specific impacts on birds; (3) refines the analysis of the impact of increased operations on childhood learning and attempts to quantify the degree of impact to the extent supported by the best available science; and (4) reassesses whether relocating some or all of the Growler community to Naval Air Facility El Centro is a reasonable alternative and provides a fuller explanation of the Navy’s reasoning for eliminating the alternative from detailed study.
The Draft Amended Analysis was made available for public review and comment from March 14 through April 28, 2025. During the review period, the Navy hosted two in-person public meetings in Oak Harbor and Coupeville, Washington and a virtual meeting featuring an informational presentation on April 3, 2025. Public comments were received and considered in development of the Final Amended Analysis.
The Final Amended Analysis is available on the Navy’s website at www.nepa.navy.mil/growler, by accessing court records from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, and at 22 public libraries in the northern Puget Sound region. The full list of libraries and their addresses may be found on the project website. An electronic copy of the analysis may be obtained by written request to: Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic; Attention: Code EV21JB (Growler Project Manager); 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23508‐1278.
-30-