Major solar farm in eastern Washington on cusp of approval - Wed, 08 Oct 2025 PST A significant solar farm project poised to transform eastern Washington’s energy landscape is nearing approval, following a critical step this month despite ongoing concerns raised by the Yakama Nation. After a recommendation from the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, the project will now seek approval from Governor Bob Ferguson, who has expressed a desire to see the project move forward. In August, Ferguson rejected a council recommendation to approve the Carriger Solar project, citing its alignment with state policies but requesting further dialogue with Yakama Nation leaders regarding the protection of culturally sensitive resources surrounding the proposed location. The council was given 60 days to report back, leading to a revised agreement now under consideration in a special meeting scheduled for October 21st. This revised agreement represents a key change: Cypress Creek Renewables, the project developer, will contribute $100,000 to the Yakama Nation Cultural Resources Program, dedicated to the continued documentation of archaeological and historical properties within the project’s vicinity. This funding commitment must be fulfilled within the first ten years of the project’s operational phase. Angeli Chandler, Cypress Creek Renewables’ director of communications, emphasized the years of meticulous planning and site selection undertaken to minimize any potential impacts on environmental or cultural resources. The company’s commitment reflects a proactive approach to addressing concerns and underscores their dedication to responsible development. The Yakama Nation, however, has remained steadfast in its opposition, repeatedly voicing concerns regarding the project’s potential disruption to traditional cultural properties. Tribal leaders have sought substantial modifications to mitigation measures, specifically advocating for a complete prohibition on solar panel installation in the northern portion of the project area. Instead, they propose a comprehensive environmental impact study should panels be permitted in that location, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the tribe asserts that the project will inevitably lead to disruptions affecting culturally significant sites, necessitating careful consideration and robust protective measures.

Governor Ferguson, in his August assessment, acknowledged the council’s considerable work and stressed the urgency of securing federal clean energy tax credits before their expiration by the Trump administration. These credits are pivotal for ensuring the project’s financial viability and affordability for Washington residents, with construction deadlines set for July 4, 2026, to qualify. The Carriger Solar project, spearheaded by Cypress Creek Renewables based in Santa Monica, California, aims to establish a 160-megawatt solar generating facility north of State Route 142 along Knight Road, approximately two miles west of Goldendale in unincorporated Klickitat County. The project also incorporates a 63-megawatt battery energy storage system and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Bonneville Power Administration transmission system. The development will occupy 1,326 acres within a 2,108-acre site encompassing predominantly agricultural and rural residential lands. The project’s footprint includes solar arrays, battery storage facilities, an operations and maintenance building, employee parking, and access roads.

The revised agreement mandates increased distancing of fencing and solar panels from State Route 142, Knight Road, and parcels managed by the State Department of Natural Resources, alongside additional natural screening, such as earthen berms, rock piles, or native vegetation, on the north side of these state-owned parcels. Crucially, the agreement ensures that tribal access to traditional and cultural properties is maintained throughout the construction phase. The Yakama Nation’s concerns highlight the delicate balance between renewable energy development and the preservation of cultural heritage, a challenge increasingly relevant in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. The project’s success hinges on continued dialogue and a commitment to incorporating tribal perspectives to minimize environmental and cultural impacts. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring that the Carriger Solar farm contributes positively to both Washington’s energy future and the preservation of its rich cultural landscape.