WASHINGTON STATE — Local tribes and environmental groups are raising concerns over a proposed hydroelectric project in Klickitat County near the Columbia River.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has granted a permit for the Goldendale Pump Storage Hydroelectric Project, proposed by Rye Development.
Simone Anter from the non-profit Columbia Riverkeeper criticized FERC’s handling of the permitting process.
“It’s not green energy if it’s destroying tribal cultural resources,” Anter said. “The burden of green energy development really needs to be spread and not just placed on tribal nations who’ve already borne the majority of burdens for other energy development across this nation.”
The Yakama Nation and other local tribes stated that the license was issued without adequate consultation and based on an incomplete environmental review. They expressed concerns that the 62-acre upper reservoir would flood Pushpum, a sacred area known to the Yakama Nation as “Mother of All Roots,” which is used for hunting, gathering and ceremonies.
Anter also disputes FERC’s claim of six years of consultation with the tribes, stating that there are inaccuracies in the process.
“FERC never really analyzed the economic basis for building this project and the financing available and whether or not it’s a viable project,” Anter said.
Despite the FERC permit being a setback, the project is not finalized. The tribes plan to apply for a rehearing with the commission. Rye Development still needs to obtain other permits before construction can begin.