A company developing an industrial-scale solar panel array on Badger Mountain in Eastern Washington has paused permitting activities on the project amid concerns about impacts to Indigenous cultural sites.
The decision comes following an investigation by High Country News and ProPublica, which revealed the omission of significant archaeological and cultural sites in a land survey funded by the developer Avangrid Renewables. This survey is crucial for permitting the project to proceed with construction.
In a statement to the state agency overseeing the project approval, Avangrid mentioned a temporary pause in project planning to reconsider public comments, including feedback from project landowners and affected tribal nations.
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have both expressed opposition to the Badger Mountain solar project due to the presence of vital cultural and archaeological resources on the mountain.
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, appointed by the governor, had previously ordered a redo of the cultural resources survey in response to concerns from tribal nations and state agencies.
Avangrid confirmed a temporary halt in permitting activities while reassessing various aspects of the Badger Mountain project, emphasizing ongoing evaluation amidst concerns raised by tribal nations and state agencies.
The future of the project remains uncertain, with Avangrid highlighting their collaboration with Washington’s Department of Natural Resources to advance clean energy initiatives while addressing stakeholder concerns.
The Department of Natural Resources views the pause as an opportunity for further discussions with tribes and stakeholders to address environmental and cultural impacts associated with the project.
The presence of archaeological sites and plant resources, combined with recent lease expirations with private landowners, may impact the viability of the project on private lands, independent of cultural concerns.
Tribal opposition, highlighted by demonstrations against the solar development on Badger Mountain, raises questions about the balance between green energy expansion and cultural preservation.
Although some remain skeptical about the impact of tribal concerns on project developments, ongoing discussions and evaluations seek to address these challenges and find a responsible path forward.
This article was produced in partnership with ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network.
