FERC approved a 40-year license for a proposed 1.2-GW pumped hydroelectric storage facility near the city of Goldendale in Klickitat County, Wash.

In approving a water quality certificate for a pumped storage project along the Columbia, Washington sparked protests from area tribes and some environmental groups.

A bill to boost construction of renewable power in Washington picked up support — ranging from strong to conditional — at a key Senate hearing.

Washington’s first pumped storage generator is expected to go online between 2028 and 2030, if it can obtain the needed state and federal approvals.