Avangrid has canceled its solar project proposal on Badger Mountain, a site sacred to Indigenous tribes in Washington, following cultural objections and construction delays.
Avangrid, the energy developer behind the proposed Badger Mountain solar project in central Washington, has withdrawn its permit application that aimed to establish an industrial-scale solar facility on land sacred to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes and bands of the Yakama Nation. The withdrawal follows rising tensions and public demonstrations by Indigenous groups concerned about protecting cultural heritage and sacred sites against encroachment by renewable energy projects.
The site in question encompasses both private and public land overseen by the Washington Department of Natural Resources. A 2024 investigation by High Country News (HCN) and ProPublica indicated that the solar development posed a threat to the cultural practices of local Indigenous tribes, including food gathering and ceremonies that are integral to their heritage.
Cindy Marchand, Chairwoman of the Colville Tribes, expressed relief at the project's cancellation in a recent statement. She highlighted the significance of preserving sacred sites for future generations and noted that while the Colville Tribes recognize the value of renewable energy, such projects should not come at the expense of spiritual and historical sites. "We appreciate Avangrid Power LLC’s decision to withdraw this project, and we trust that they can find a more appropriate site," said Marchand.
While Marchand’s statement reflects a direct appreciation for the decision, it remains unclear whether Avangrid's withdrawal was motivated primarily by Indigenous rights issues or logistical challenges. Reports suggest that construction delays within the broader energy grid, particularly concerning the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), played a significant role in the company's decision to withdraw. Avangrid did not clarify its rationale to HCN, and the Department of Natural Resources chose not to comment.
In response to growing community opposition, the Wenatchi-P’squosa group, one of the twelve tribes within the Confederated Colville Tribes, organized a demonstration in 2024 against the solar project. They emphasized that while they are advocates of renewable energy, developments should not disrupt or endanger culturally significant sites. The demonstration was part of a broader dialogue on how tribal nations can utilize public comment processes to support their rights in development discussions.
After the demonstration, Avangrid announced it would pause its development activities to reassess tribal input and community feedback. At a state energy permitting meeting earlier this month, the company sought a one-year extension to pause its work while keeping the project within the state’s permitting framework. This request coincided with news of further delays in BPA's construction timeline for a critical transmission project designed to bolster network reliability between eastern Washington and the Seattle area.
Mark Eilers, Avangrid's senior director of business development, mentioned that the anticipated completion of the BPA’s transmission line, dubbed Cross-Cascades North, would now extend to 2032, suggesting that this delay contributed to the project's uncertain future.
At the July meeting held by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), which oversees the permitting process, Chair Kurt Beckett acknowledged the cultural and environmental concerns raised by the Yakama Nation and Colville Tribes. He noted the importance of considering tribal objections in the state’s permitting decisions, stating, “I don’t wish to overemphasize those, but ultimately they exist.”
Just a few days after the state meeting, Avangrid formally requested to withdraw its solar project proposal, which had been under consideration since at least 2019. EFSEC confirmed receipt of this request and indicated it would proceed to terminate existing financial arrangements related to the project.
Support from the Wenatchi Advisory Group was palpable following the announcement of the withdrawal. Steven Wynecoop, the group's vice chair and a descendant of its founder, expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the company's decision, calling Badger Mountain "a very sacred site" that has long been revered for its cultural importance. He recounted how generations of his family utilized the mountain for gathering medicine and for various ceremonies.
Wynecoop shared a personal anecdote illustrating the enduring familial connection to Badger Mountain, reflecting a continued spiritual and cultural bond with the land. His storytelling enriched the understanding of the site's significance, framing it as integral not just for its physical resources, but as a vital part of the community’s identity.
The debate surrounding the Badger Mountain solar project underscores a growing awareness in the renewable energy sector regarding the need for cultural sensitivity and the active involvement of Indigenous tribes in planning and permitting processes. As more renewable energy projects emerge, the lessons learned from the Badger Mountain situation may shape future developments and engage tribal communities in advocacy efforts aimed at protecting sacred lands and cultural heritage.
Moving forward, the renewable energy industry faces the challenge of balancing the imperative for clean energy development with respect for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. The Badger Mountain project's cancellation serves as a reminder of the importance of integrating community values into environmental decision-making processes.
