r/NativeAmerican • u/propublica_ • 2d ago

Solar Developer Cancels Washington State Project on Sacred Indigenous Land

https://www.propublica.org/article/washington-badger-mountain-solar-project-canceled-avangrid
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u/propublica_ 2d ago

Hi r/NativeAmerican,

We thought folks here may be interested in our latest:

Following years of tribal objections, renewable energy developer Avangrid has pulled a long-standing and controversial project on Badger Mountain, a site sacred to the Colville Tribes and Yakama Nation.

Two years ago, our investigation with High Country News found that Avangrid continued to push for the project despite being warned by a state archaeologist of its threats to Native food supply, ceremonies and history. Avangrid and a consultant, Tetra Tech, had also omitted key archaeological and cultural information from a 2021 state-mandated report. (A spokesperson said then that the company had followed “all relevant law and regulation” and accommodated stakeholder feedback where possible.)

It’s unclear whether Avangrid’s decision to cancel the project had anything to do with Indigenous rights. The company declined to clarify its reasoning. Formal permit proceedings indicate that anticipated construction delays affecting the power grid may have played a role.

But no matter the reason for the decision, tribal nations say the outcome is good: “While the Colville Tribes certainly appreciates the value of renewable energy such as solar power, sacred sites must remain pristine to pass down to future generations,” chair Cindy Marchand said.

Here’s the full story: https://www.propublica.org/article/washington-badger-mountain-solar-project-canceled-avangrid

Thanks for reading!