Proposal for 1,300-acre solar farm goes again to Washington governor for approval

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council voted 6-1 to recommend that Washington Governor Bob Ferguson approve the Carriger Solar project, a proposed solar farm covering 1,300 acres in Klickitat County. This recommendation comes after Ferguson previously declined the initial proposal in August, citing the need for stronger protections for cultural resources raised by Yakama Nation leaders. The newly revised agreement includes a $100,000 grant to support the Yakama Nation Cultural Resources Program once the project is operational. Council member Matt Chiles, who initially opposed the project, praised the staff's efforts in addressing the governor's concerns and joined the majority in favor of the project. Cypress Creek Renewables aims to create a facility with 160 megawatts of generating potential, sufficient to supply power to around 32,500 homes.

The solar farm is expected to connect to the Bonneville Power Administration transmission system and be operational by 2027. Under the new agreement, additional measures will be implemented to ensure cultural resource protection during construction. Governor Ferguson has 60 days to make a decision on the project's fate.