The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss the status of the Badger Mountain project, which is currently under review. The applicant, Avangrid, has requested a formal four-month pause to evaluate the project's future viability, extending their request to seek confirmation on the project's status by June 2025.

During the meeting, it was noted that the application review period expired on April 7, 2025. Avangrid submitted a request for an extension of the application, although no specific timeline was provided. EFSEC staff recommended granting an extension through July 2025. The council received 19 comments regarding the extension request, all opposing it, with concerns primarily focused on the environmental impacts of the project. Notable feedback came from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and local residents.

Sonia Bumpus, a representative for EFSEC, clarified that while direct billing for the project would cease during the pause, non-direct costs would continue to be billed to the applicant. This pause in expenditures is in line with Washington state law, which holds applicants responsible for their application processing costs.

Council members raised questions about the implications of not granting the extension. If the extension is denied, the application process would halt, and the applicant would need to resubmit if they later determine the project is viable. Legal counsel John Thompson emphasized that there is no precedent for denying an extension request, and the council would need to clearly communicate its intentions regarding the application’s status.

The discussion also touched on the status of land leases associated with the project. Bumpus noted that while site control is not a requirement for filing an application, it is often necessary for conducting field studies related to the project.

The council's decision on the extension request will be crucial for the future of the Badger Mountain project, as it navigates community concerns and regulatory processes. The next steps will involve further deliberation and a formal vote on the extension in the coming months.