Avangrid Cancels Badger Mountain Solar Project Over Tribal Concerns

Renewable‑energy developer Avangrid withdrew its permit application to build an industrial‑scale solar farm on Badger Mountain in central Washington. The mountain is considered sacred by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, who have protected rights to practice cultural traditions there. An investigation by High Country News and ProPublica found that Avangrid and its consultant omitted key archaeological and cultural information from a state‑mandated review, prompting protests and a demonstration by the Wenatchi‑P’squosa community.

Avangrid said it had followed all relevant laws and later cited construction delays elsewhere in the grid as a factor in pausing the project. The company ultimately cancelled the development. Tribal Chairwoman Cindy Marchand welcomed the decision, stating, “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.”