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ProPublica logo🏛️ Politics
United States🏛️ PoliticsCenter7 hr. ago

Solar Developer Cancels Washington State Project on Sacred Indigenous Land

A renewable energy developer, Avangrid, has canceled its permit application to construct a large solar facility on Badger Mountain in Eastern Washington, a site considered sacred by several Indigenous nations. The project, which spanned both private and public lands, faced opposition from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, who hold cultural and traditional rights to the area. A joint investigation by ProPublica and High Country News revealed that Avangrid and its consultant, Tetra Tech, had withheld critical archaeological and cultural data during the state-mandated review of the site. Despite warnings from a state archaeologist about potential harm to historic and ceremonial areas, Avangrid proceeded with the project. After the investigation was published, members of the Wenatchi-P’squosa tribe staged a protest on Badger Mountain, expressing support for renewable energy but opposing development on culturally significant land. In response, Avangrid paused the project to reconsider tribal input and public feedback. While the company did not confirm if Indigenous rights influenced its decision, the ColvilleT

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ProPublica logoProPublicaIndependentCenter7 hr. ago
Solar Developer Cancels Washington State Project on Sacred Indigenous Land

A renewable energy developer, Avangrid, has canceled its permit application to construct a large solar facility on Badger Mountain in Eastern Washington, a site considered sacred by several Indigenous nations. The project, which spanned both private and public lands, faced opposition from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, who hold cultural and traditional rights to the area. A joint investigation by ProPublica and High Country News revealed that Avangrid and its consultant, Tetra Tech, had withheld critical archaeological and cultural data during the state-mandated review of the site. Despite warnings from a state archaeologist about potential harm to historic and ceremonial areas, Avangrid proceeded with the project. After the investigation was published, members of the Wenatchi-P’squosa tribe staged a protest on Badger Mountain, expressing support for renewable energy but opposing development on culturally significant land. In response, Avangrid paused the project to reconsider tribal input and public feedback. While the company did not confirm if Indigenous rights influenced its decision, the ColvilleT

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, highlighting both the controversy surrounding the proposed solar project and the concerns raised by Indigenous communities. It includes perspectives from multiple stakeholders, including Avangrid, the tribes, and state officials, without明显的倾向

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