The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (FSEC) convened on February 22, 2025, for its monthly meeting, focusing on updates from various solar and wind energy projects across Washington State. The meeting was chaired by Chair Beckett, who guided the council through a series of project updates and discussions.

The meeting commenced with Sarah Randolph, site specialist for Austria, reporting that pre-construction plans for the Hightop Solar project were approved on February 10, with construction set to begin on February 24. Randolph noted that there were no further updates regarding Hightop Solar at this time. She also mentioned that due to a lack of recent activity, the Hightop Solar project would be removed from the agenda until further coordination resumes.

Next, Lance Caputo provided an update on the Watoma Solar project. He informed the council that Benton County had filed a petition for reconsideration regarding the council's previous decisions on the project. However, the council denied this request. Following this, Governor Inslee signed the site certification agreement on January 9, 2025, allowing the project to move forward. Caputo confirmed that collaboration with the certificate holder on post-certification requirements had begun.

Joanne Snarski then addressed the Carriger Solar project, highlighting that FSEC received a confidential report from the Yakama Nation concerning traditional cultural properties affected by the project. FSEC is currently working with the Yakama Nation and the developer, Cypress Creek Renewables, to identify potential mitigation measures.

Amy Moon reported on the Horse Heaven Wind Project, stating that FSEC staff and the certificate holder had developed rules of procedure for the pre-operational technical advisory group (PTAG). This group will oversee various approvals and actions required prior to construction.

Trevin Taylor provided updates on both the Hop Hill and Wallula Gap solar applications, indicating ongoing coordination and review processes with contractors and tribal governments, but no significant updates were available at this time.

The meeting concluded with a transition to the GoldenEye BES project, where Joanne Snarski was set to provide further updates. Chair Beckett recused himself from this discussion, designating Stacy Brewster as the acting chair for this segment.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant progress in various energy projects while addressing procedural matters and ongoing collaborations with local governments and tribal entities. The council plans to continue monitoring these projects closely as they advance through their respective phases.