The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council voted to grant a one-month extension to the Carriger Solar LLC site-certification review, moving the processing deadline from April 1, 2025, to May 1, 2025.

Joanne Snarski, the siting specialist assigned to the Carriger Solar application, told the council staff and the applicant were continuing work on mitigation options after the Yakama Nation completed a traditional cultural properties (TCP) study. Snarski said the applicant (Cypress Creek Renewables) had earlier requested an extension to May 21, 2025, but staff recommended a shorter extension to May 1, 2025, to allow development of a schedule for the remaining review work.

Why it matters: staff said additional SEPA review and TCP mitigation discussions remain outstanding; the extension gives time to set a timeline for completing threshold determinations and public comment steps required before the council can act on site certification.

Snarski said staff plans to discuss the SEPA threshold determination at the April council meeting and that any threshold determination will trigger a public comment period. She also noted ongoing coordination with the Yakama Nation Cultural Resources Program and that the council had received seven public comments posted to the project webpage, all expressing opposition to the project, citing safety concerns about battery storage, impacts to rural and agricultural character, and use of unsustainable materials.

Klickitat County representative Matt Childs asked whether additional extensions were expected; Snarski confirmed the applicant likely will request more time and staff will work with them to develop a schedule. Council member Lehi Young moved to approve the one-month extension; a council member identified as Nate seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The council did not take further action on the application at the meeting; staff will continue coordination with the applicant, contractor agencies and tribes and return with subsequent scheduling information.