Erik Steimle

Stories

Goldendale energy storage project vs. Yakama sacred site

As of May 2026: Leading project development

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a 40-year license for a $2 billion pumped-storage hydropower facility on land the Yakama Nation considers sacred. The 1,200-megawatt Goldendale Energy Storage Project would function as a giant battery for the Pacific Northwest grid—pumping water uphill when power is cheap, releasing it through turbines when demand spikes. The site, known to the Yakama as Pushpum or 'mother of all roots,' has been used for ceremonies, fishing, and gathering traditional foods for centuries.

Updated May 26

Notable Quotes

This is a landmark moment for the Pacific Northwest. With electricity demand and energy costs on the rise, this license represents a huge step toward a more reliable grid and affordable energy prices for the region.

from Goldendale energy storage project vs. Yakama sacred site · Updated May 26

We do not propose projects on lands where we're not invited to do so. This piece of private land that's been industrialized for quite some time is owned by a landowner who has requested this type of development.

from Goldendale energy storage project vs. Yakama sacred site · Updated May 26