Proposed Battery Storage Project Near Oregon Wildlife Refuge Faces Pushback

Environmental advocates raise concerns over potential impact on migratory birds and lack of public engagement by developer

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:20pm

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A proposed 200-megawatt battery storage project in Washington County, Oregon, is facing local opposition due to its proximity to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. The Florida-based developer, BrightNight, says the project will boost grid reliability and help meet the state's carbon emission reduction goals, but environmental advocates argue the new power lines could negatively impact migratory birds and that the company has not adequately engaged the public.

Why it matters

The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a critical habitat for thousands of migratory birds and waterfowl, and environmental advocates are concerned that the proposed power lines associated with the battery storage project could disrupt this sensitive ecosystem. The case also highlights the tension between developing renewable energy infrastructure and protecting natural habitats, as well as the importance of transparent public engagement in the planning process.

The details

BrightNight's proposed Nottingham Storage Project would build a 200-megawatt battery storage facility in unincorporated Washington County, adjacent to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. The project would also include the construction of up to ten 130-foot tall power line poles to connect the facility to a nearby Portland General Electric (PGE) substation. While BrightNight claims the power lines would not directly cross the Onion Flats area of the refuge, environmental advocates argue the lines would still be too close and could impact migratory birds. BrightNight says it has studied potential avian impacts and found minimal risk, but the company has been criticized for not holding public meetings or adequately engaging the community about its plans.

  • BrightNight has been working on this project for a few years and received the necessary permits from the local government to move forward in 2025.
  • PGE is also making upgrades to an existing 15-mile transmission line that connects to the substation BrightNight is building power lines to, with those existing lines already crossing part of the Tualatin River Natural Wildlife Refuge.

The players

BrightNight

A Florida-based renewable energy company that has proposed the 200-megawatt Nottingham Storage Project battery storage facility in Washington County, Oregon.

Tualatin Riverkeeper

A local environmental advocacy group that is concerned about the potential impact of BrightNight's proposed power lines on the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.

Friends of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

A local organization that advocates for the protection of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and is pushing for BrightNight to explore alternative routes for its power lines.

Portland General Electric (PGE)

The electric utility company that has a 20-year contract with BrightNight to develop, own, and operate the Nottingham Storage Project, which will provide additional renewable energy storage for PGE's customers.

Glenn Fee

The executive director of the Tualatin Riverkeeper, who is concerned about the potential impact of the proposed power lines on migratory birds in the wildlife refuge.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of the best places in all of Oregon, in our region, to see bird species. Especially during the migratory bird season, which is right now, there are hundreds of migratory birds, different bird species that come through the refuge.”

— Glenn Fee, Executive Director, Tualatin Riverkeeper

“Our concern are the power lines and the impact that they're going to have on the wildlife, and our objective is to have an alternative that does not impact the wildlife that we have a mission to protect. It's not about the project itself that we have the objections to.”

— Bonnie Anderson, Executive Director, Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

“We believe that both can be compatible and can live side by side.”

— Scott Bolton, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, BrightNight

What’s next

PGE is holding a public meeting on March 18, 2026 to discuss its Westside Upgrade Project, which is separate from but related to BrightNight's proposed battery storage facility. Environmental advocates hope this meeting will provide an opportunity for more public input and transparency around the overall plans for the area.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for renewable energy infrastructure with the protection of sensitive natural habitats. While both BrightNight and environmental advocates claim to support clean energy and wildlife conservation, they differ on the specifics of how to achieve those goals. Increased public engagement and consideration of alternative project designs could be key to finding a solution that satisfies all stakeholders.