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Snoqualmie council debates possible pause on battery energy storage projects but takes no action
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Summary
At a special April 16 meeting the Snoqualmie City Council discussed community opposition to battery energy storage systems and weighed calling for a moratorium, but cited legal limits on special meetings and took no final action.
Snoqualmie City Council members opened a special meeting April 16 to discuss 'potential best land use' in unincorporated areas and concerns raised by residents about battery energy storage systems. Council members said they would not take final action at the special meeting because state law limits decision-making to noticed matters.
Council member Murphy, referencing public attendance at earlier meetings, said residents were broadly opposed to locating battery energy storage systems in the city and urged the council to act quickly. "I think the time to act is now," Murphy said, arguing a pause or moratorium would "buy us time to learn more, to engage with the county, to determine permanent...stance." Council member Cotton also urged tangible, low-risk steps to show support for residents and listed safety topics to address, including evacuation planning and first-responder preparedness.
Other council members advised caution. Council member Holloway cautioned against a "knee-jerk" response before a permitting process exists, saying premature action could carry legal risk and little benefit. Council member Washington described the issue as the "long game," calling for further evaluation after executive session. Council member Johnson emphasized public safety as the council's top priority but warned that some options floated could unintentionally close off future avenues: "There are options that have been floated that I think would shut doors," he said.
No ordinance, moratorium or formal directive was introduced or voted on during the meeting. The mayor reiterated that, under state law for special meetings, the council could discuss but not adopt final measures unless those items were previously noticed. Council members said they expect further dialogue in future meetings and outreach with county officials on next steps.
The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn; no additional actions related to battery energy storage systems were taken at this session.
