OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has canceled its $1.37 million grant for a proposed tidal energy project, following concerns raised by multiple tribal nations whose treaty-protected waterways would be impacted.
Aquantis Inc., a subsidiary of Dehlsen Associates, was awarded the conditional grant for its Tidal Energy Project. The project planned to test a marine turbine in Puget Sound, specifically in the Similk and Skagit bay area in the northern Sound, near the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. The turbine was set for a three-month test phase, but its installation would have affected the waterways of 10 other tribes in the Salish Sea region, from the Makah to the Lummi Nation.
Tribal representatives raised concerns about the potential impact on salmon populations, as the project would affect vital riverways that serve as migration routes for fish returning from the ocean. As members of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission explained, the interconnectedness of the waterways meant the project could have impacted nearly all the tribes in the state.
The project aimed to advance renewable energy technology as part of efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Department of Commerce’s grant represented about 25% of the project’s total funding. While the agency remains committed to supporting clean energy, it also acknowledged the need to respect tribal treaty rights and cultural resources.
Swinomish Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards expressed gratitude for the department’s decision to withdraw the funding. “We support clean energy projects, but not at the expense of our Treaty fishing rights, the health of the Salish Sea ecosystem, or our cultural traditions,” Edwards said. He had initially contacted Commerce’s Director and the Office of Tribal Relations to express concerns about the project, noting its similarities to a previous project that was halted due to environmental issues.
Following a review, Energy Division Assistant Director Jennifer Grove and Director of the Office of Tribal Relations Michelle Gladstone-Wade recommended rescinding the funding. Their concerns included potential risks to treaty rights, access to culturally significant areas, and threats to the Salish Sea’s ecosystem. Director of Commerce, Governor-appointed Director Nguyễn, accepted their recommendation.
“Commerce is committed to doing the right thing, even when it means changing direction,” Director Nguyễn stated. “By addressing these concerns, we’re strengthening our relationships with tribal partners while ensuring that our clean energy investments benefit all Washingtonians without compromising the state’s natural resources and cultural heritage.”
This decision underscores the department’s responsibility to consult with tribal nations about the potential impacts of projects on cultural resources, as outlined in Executive Order 21-02. The funding initially set aside for the tidal energy project will now be redirected within the Clean Energy Fund, ensuring that Washington state continues to support responsible clean energy research and development.
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