Energy Facility Siting Council to meet in Hermiston

By Terry Murry on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

SALEM – The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council will be held Thursday, Aug. 22 and Friday, Aug. 23 at the Maxwell Event Center in Hermiston. On the agenda is a public hearing on Sunstone Solar’s project application.

Sunstone Solar, previously known as Echo Solar Project) is a proposed 1,200-megawatt solar photovoltaic power generation facility. It would occupy 9,442 acres of within a 10,960-acre site of private land in Morrow County that is currently zoned for exclusive farm use. It is approximately 15 miles northeast of Lexington. The hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Also at the two-day meeting, the council will review and decide on a requested status case on the Boardman to Hemingway transmission line requested by Idaho Power. It could also issue a final decision.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting at 145 N. First Place in Hermiston. The meeting agenda has more detailed information, including meeting times, location, and instructions on how to attend virtually.

Photo from Maxwell Event Center’s website