06/06/2026
Good morning Friends of Gap Road,
We just wanted to touch base with a very brief update.
First and foremost, Friends of Gap Road are, absolutely, not against Renewable Energy such as solar and wind power. However, we do strongly believe we not should sacrifice High Value Farmland and Wetlands to accomplish our energy goals. If Solar is, truly, the long term answer; then let’s require commercial and industrial facilities to place solar panels on their buildings. Not our most productive farmlands. Data Centers, Warehouses, Distribution Centers, Manufacturing Facilities, Parking Facilities, Schools, Large residential housing developments, poor quality lands and the list goes on…. It wouldn’t take long to meet our energy demands without sacrificing some of our more precious lands.
So now the update:
Hanwha Renewables recently confirmed they have, indeed, applied for Federal Subsidies. They have ordered "standard use" equipment for the Muddy Creek Solar project. Thus, they have commenced construction "by contract” prior to their July 4, 2026 deadline to file for Federal Subsidies. Aggravating at the very least.
Additionally, Muddy Creek Energy Park did file their "preliminary application” to the Energy Facility Siting Council by their May 19, 2026 deadline. We have reviewed the Muddy Creek Solar Park “preliminary application” and it appears quite incomplete. While it is somewhat upsetting to see how incomplete the application is, we are certain the Oregon Department of Energy will continue to guide Hanwha Renewables through the process. Remember, Governor Kotek recently issued an "Executive Order" to facilitate renewable energy projects in Oregon. This order requires all State Regulatory Departments to look at “streamlining" the siting process for renewable energy developers.
The good news is, because of the incompleteness and lack of clear direction in their application, there is a lot of opportunity for us to fight this terrible “experiment" in our Willamette Valley.
Friends of Gap Road will continue to use Oregon State law and regulations against this project. This proposed site is classified as "Farmed Wetlands". This makes this an extremely difficult location to site solar... and, ultimately, a very poor location choice by the Developer. Remember, the reason Hanwha Renewables chose this location is simply due to the close proximity to a Substation, Transmission Lines with willing land owners desiring to lease their properties to them.
Ultimately, Hanwha Renewables will be required to hold one, and possibly two, Public Meetings going forward. You can find the siting process flow sheet here (we are at the “Application” point of the process)
https://www.oregon.gov/energy/facilities/Documents/Fact-Sheets/EFSC-Process-Flowchart.pdf
The first meeting may simply be an “optional” informational Public Meeting. The second, which will absolutely be required, is the Public Comment meeting and period. It is possible the Energy Facility Siting Council may roll these two meetings together. We are not certain at this point….but we feel, due to the ambiguity of their “preliminary application”, an informational meeting would be necessary to clarify their intentions to the Public.
Regardless, if there are one, or two, Public meetings… THIS IS WHEN WE WILL NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE. This is when YOU will have your voice heard! This is when we can all stand up to let our State officials know we will fight to protect our beautiful State; Protect it’s Farmlands, it’s Wetlands, it’s Wildlife, our Communities Safety/Well-Being from these types of inappropriate siting locations!
To date, these Public meetings have not been scheduled. Friends of Gap Road will continue to keep you informed as these dates are determined. We need to "fill a gymnasium" when these Public Meeting are held. We will count on you to be there.
Thank you, ALL, for your continued support!
