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FSEC grants one-year extension for Hop Hill solar application, asks staff to analyze added acreage
Summary
The council extended the Hop Hill solar application review deadline to Dec. 22, 2026 and directed staff to analyze an applicant-proposed addition of 2,900 acres to determine whether another land-use consistency hearing is required; two council members abstained.
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council on Nov. 19 agreed to extend the review deadline for the Hop Hill (Hopkel/Hop Hill) solar site certification application to Dec. 22, 2026 and requested that staff analyze an applicant-proposed addition of 2,900 acres and flag whether a subsequent land-use consistency hearing is required.
John Barnes, FSEC staff assigned to the Hop Hill application, said the application is pending a full cultural resource report and other revised materials following a project expansion. "The applicant has requested to extend the Hop Hill application from 12/22/2025 until 12/22/2026," Barnes told the council. Barnes said a public comment period (Oct. 29–Nov. 11, 2025) produced one supportive comment and no opposition.
Benton County-appointed Councilor Paul Crouppen (speaking to an email he filed) and other councilors asked for more substantive detail about the applicant’s proposed 2,900-acre addition and how land-use determinations would be coordinated with Benton County. Crouppen said the letter filing was "a little bit shy on the details," and urged staff to seek more information before final recommendation.
Staff and legal counsel explained that, under the Revised Code of Washington cited in the meeting (RCW 80.50.100), administrative extensions are an available mechanism and that extensions have been common in FSEC history, but the council may request additional information. Councilor Pamplin moved to extend the council’s deadline to Dec. 22, 2026 and to direct staff to analyze the additional acreage; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote. The transcript records two abstentions and the chair noted he was recused from voting on the matter.
