The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council posted a mitigated determination of non‑significance (MDNS) for the Carriger Solar project and set a special meeting for May 5, 2025, to decide whether to grant expedited review.

Joanne Snarski, the siting specialist, told the council staff posted the MDNS on April 7 and said the public comment period on the MDNS closes at 11:59 p.m. on April 20, 2025. Snarski also said Yakama Nation staff completed a confidential traditional cultural places study and provided a summary letter to inform mitigation discussions. "Yakima Nation staff completed the study ahead of schedule and submitted a copy to FSEC on 10/28/2024," Snarski said, noting staff received a summary letter December 19, 2024.

Staff told the council that, after evaluating public comments on the MDNS, the council will be asked to consider the applicant’s request for expedited review; if expedited review is granted the council would hold an additional public meeting for comment. Staff anticipate a special council meeting on May 5 to decide expedited process and a public site visit on May 6 that will also be publicly noticed.

Amy Hofgemeier, staff, explained the public notices will specify the items up for discussion for each date so the public can decide whether to attend. Director Sonya Bumpus said the posted schedule assumes there are not substantial substantive comments on the MDNS and that expedited process is granted; if either assumption fails staff would coordinate a revised schedule with the applicant.

Council member Matt Chiles (Clickitat County) asked whether a decision at the end of the proposed extension would be a recommendation to the governor; staff said the timeline could allow a recommendation within the proposed timeframe if assumptions hold. The Carriger MDNS comment period and the special May 5 calendar entry will be publicly noticed and emailed to interested parties.

Why it matters: The MDNS and the council’s decision on expedited review will shape the review timeline for a proposed utility‑scale solar project in Clickitat County and determine whether the council moves more quickly to recommendation and public hearings.