This is Northwest Public Broadcasting's Weekly News Now.

I'm Tracci Dial, thank you so much for joining us.

A controversial energy project in South Central Washington is one step closer to breaking ground.

A federal commission released its final environmental review on the Goldendale Pumped Storage Energy Project.

It would be the biggest pumped storage project in the region.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or the FERC, recommended moving forward with the project.

The potential solution does come with a price, though.

The project is within ceded lands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, an area that's been sacred for tribes for thousands of years.

Previous environmental reviews from Washington State said the project would result in adverse and unavoidable impacts to tribal resources.

The tribal nations say they were not properly consulted.

Some environmental advocates agree “It's a real national issue and as we continue to transition to more renewable energy sources, we're going to see this come up over and over again.

” Back in 2022, more than a dozen tribal leaders sent a letter to Washington Governor Jay Inslee asking for better consultation.

Inslee has long been a supporter of the project.

He even signed a bill in 2020 that deemed it one of statewide significance and expedited its permitting process.

This week marked a big anniversary for Washington Treaty Tribes.

February 12th marks the 50th anniversary of the Boldt decision, a federal case that reaffirmed Native American fishing rights.

More than 500 people registered to go to a Boldt 50 celebration at the Muckleshoot Event Center in Auburn last week.

That's where we heard from Wilbur Slockish, Jr.

He's an elder and traditional river chief of the Klickitat Band of the Yakama Nation.

He spent three years in prison for selling fish that he caught.

“And I would do it again.

I would go through to preserve my foods.

Our foods.

Salmon belongs to all of our people that live along the river wherever it may be.

” To learn more about Boldt 50, go to our website.

And this week, we have a Valentine's treat of a story for you.

Two Tri-Cities friends, are partners on the stage.

Hear from Mary Lou and Stevie, a dynamic duo playing tunes from the Great American Songbook decades into their friendship.

We have a video and full article with some fantastic photos on our website.

You can find more on NWPB.org as well as on our Instagram and Facebook.

I'm Tracci Dial with your NWPB Weekly News Now.

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