The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council voted to extend the application review period for the proposed Badger Mountain solar facility through July 31, 2025.

The extension motion passed after staff described that Avangrid requested a pause so it could evaluate the project’s future viability and that staff recommended an extension through July to allow the applicant to confirm next steps. Joanne Snarski, the siting specialist, told the council the applicant had previously asked for a four‑month pause and expects to provide a formal status by June 2025. "At that time, the applicant requested a formal 4 month pause on the project while they evaluated the future viability of the project," Snarski said.

The request for extension was posted for public comment; staff reported receiving 19 comments, all opposing the extension and primarily focused on environmental impacts. Sonya Bumpus, director, reminded the council that RCW 80.50.071 requires applicants to cover application processing expenditures and said billing for nondirect costs would continue during a pause while direct billing would cease.

Council members pressed staff on process questions including whether FSEC requires site control (leases) to process an application and the consequences if an extension were denied. Legal adviser John Thompson said the statute does not prescribe specific consequences for denying an extension and that if the council chose not to grant one it should clearly state whether the application would be considered terminated and require refiling. "There really is, is no precedent that I'm aware of for not granting an extension request," Thompson said.

Council members also discussed the public notice and scheduling process. Snarski said the applicant's extension request was posted for comment and staff recommended the July extension to provide enough time to complete remaining steps. Chair Kurt Beckett emphasized clarity for the public given confusion arising from comments about leases and timing.

After discussion, Nate Hamplin moved to grant the extension through July 31, 2025; Stacy Brewster seconded. The council voted in favor and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The extension preserves the application on FSEC’s active docket while the applicant evaluates viability; opponents argued the pause will delay resolution of environmental concerns. The council’s decision keeps staff work on the project limited to nondirect costs until the applicant confirms next steps.