Current Events

BESS Lithium Battery Storage

The Goldeneye project is located just east of Sedro-Woolley. The Nebraska-based company, Tenaska, is seeking to build a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on farmland next to Hansen Creek, which feeds into the Skagit River.

Tenaska has chosen to go through the Energy Facilities Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) rather than seek approval from the local jurisdiction. EFSEC members are appointed by the governor and have the final say- meaning the citizens of Skagit and their elected officials do not have final say.

Reasons why this should not be built on this parcel of land:

  • Proximity to Hansen Creek, where a $50+ million restoration project aims to bring back salmon.

  • Situated in a sensitive area near roaming elk herds, spawning salmon, and nesting bald eagles.

  • Close proximity to downtown historical Sedro-Woolley, hundreds of residences, five schools, and the only hospital.

  • One mile from the Skagit River, which flows into the Salish Sea, home to resident orcas.

  • Located on Ag/NRL zoned land (Agriculture-Natural Resource Lands)

  • The protection of Skagit County's agricultural land base has required generations of sacrifice by which Skagit landowners have intentionally forgone the business opportunity and wealth that intensive development has produced in other Puget Sound counties

  • Only some 89,000 acres of prime Skagit farmland remain, and continued conversion of prime Skagit farmland to other uses is likely to have far-reaching effects on the stability and viability of Skagit County's agricultural economy

  • Uniquely suited for seed production due to its maritime proximity, the Skagit Valley produces a substantial portion of the world's brassica, spinach and other crop seed

  • Skagit County's prime agricultural soil is a critical and irreplaceable natural resource that we are duty-bound to protect for future generations, and protecting the Skagit for commercially viable agriculture is squarely in the public interest

  • Skagit Valley farmland is a regional treasure used and enjoyed by many tens of thousands of tourists and visitors each year as well as birds and other wildlife, providing high-quality, locally available food, ecosystem services, habitat, and recreation

  • Skagit County has declared that natural resource lands, including agricultural lands, are a cornerstone of our community's economy, culture, and history, and as such, farmland protection and enhancement is of paramount importance to Skagit County and its citizens;

  • Protection of Skagit County farmland from competing uses is required by state see RCW 36.70A.020(8) and RCW 36.70A.l 77