Pumped storage energy project in NW could destroy sacred tribal resources

The company Rye Development has proposed building a pumped-energy storage facility in south central Washington state.

PNS–Critics say a proposed hydroelectric project in the Columbia River Gorge could damage cultural resources for nearby tribes.

The company Rye Development has proposed building a pumped-energy storage facility in south central Washington state. Pumped storage uses two reservoirs at different elevations to generate and store power.

Simone Anter, staff attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper, said the Goldendale Energy Storage Hydroelectric Project would be the largest of its kind in the Northwest. It would require excavation to build two big pools, as well as structures underground.

“We’re talking about a huge development and digging that would destroy archaeological sites as well as cultural resources,” Anter contended.

The Yakama Nation has opposed past attempts to build pumped storage in the area and is opposing this project because of the potential impact on culturally significant tribal sites. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation said the project could impact access to their cultural resources in the region.

Rye Development said the project will bring renewable energy to the Northwest without requiring the building of more dams.

Anter countered the project should not be considered green because of its effects on sacred sites and already burdened communities.

“If we want to have a just clean energy transition, we must listen to the concerns of impacted communities and work together on siting instead of full steam ahead like we have done in the past with other energy projects,” Anter argued.

Anter added the project still needs licensing and approval at the state and federal levels.

Eric Tegethoff

Eric Tegethoff is a journalist covering the Northwest. Eric has worked as a reporter for KBOO, XRAY FM, and Oregon Public Broadcasting in Portland, Oregon, as well as other print and digital news media.

Eric Tegethoff
Eric Tegethoffhttps://www.publicnewsservice.org/state-washington/WA
Eric Tegethoff is a journalist covering the Northwest. Eric has worked as a reporter for KBOO, XRAY FM, and Oregon Public Broadcasting in Portland, Oregon, as well as other print and digital news media.

Latest

Jesse Daniel and Benjamin Tod release cover of George Jones and Randy Travis

Music fans have plenty to celebrate as Austin's Jesse...

The Red Clay Strays release first live album, “Live At The Ryman”

This week, The Red Clay Strays unveiled their first...

Flatland Cavalry celebrates a decade of music with new album “Flatland Forever”

Acclaimed Texas country band Flatland Cavalry has released their...

Washington Voters Reject Initiative to Defund Wildfire Readiness and Response

Seattle, WA—This November, voters in Washington State decisively defeated...

Live Radio

Status:
Now Playing:

Don't miss

Jesse Daniel and Benjamin Tod release cover of George Jones and Randy Travis

Music fans have plenty to celebrate as Austin's Jesse...

The Red Clay Strays release first live album, “Live At The Ryman”

This week, The Red Clay Strays unveiled their first...

Flatland Cavalry celebrates a decade of music with new album “Flatland Forever”

Acclaimed Texas country band Flatland Cavalry has released their...

Washington Voters Reject Initiative to Defund Wildfire Readiness and Response

Seattle, WA—This November, voters in Washington State decisively defeated...

Madrona Music Festival brings the best of the Pacific Northwest to a rural audience on the Key Peninsula

On Saturday, community members on the Key Peninsula in...

With costs already high, WA initiative could cut child care budget

The cost of childcare is on the minds of Washington state voters going into November, especially because of an initiative that could upend funding for kids....

WA community, technical colleges work to meet rural career needs

Four-year universities aren't always able to serve every student, so Washington state has found a way to ensure students have other options through community...

Feds send $27 million to improve recreation at NW forests

More than $27 million is coming to upgrade forests in the Northwest for recreation. The investment is the latest round of funding from the Great American Outdoors...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here