For more than 20 years, our region has struggled to find a balance between programs focused on fish recovery and the operation of the hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River which are vital to the economy of the northwest. During this time countless hours have been spent on studies, battles have raged in the court room, proposals were forwarded to breach hydroelectric dams, biological opinions were issued, and billions of dollars were spent.

 

In September, the Obama Administration concluded that the most recent biological opinion (2008) exceeds the requirements of the Endangered Species Act and is based on sound science. Upon receiving the Administration's opinion, many groups in this region breathed a sigh of relief and praised the Administration's position.

 

While Benton REA agrees that the biological opinion provides more certainty on costs, it's important to recognize exactly what those costs are. The 2008 biological opinion is estimated to increase current spending levels for fish and wildlife by $100-million per year, approaching nearly $1-billion per year being spent on salmon recovery. For electric consumers of utilities that purchase power from the Bonneville Power Administration, that means about 25% of your power bill each month will go towards salmon recovery. In addition to setting expenditure levels, the new biological opinion also provides for the consideration of dam removal in the event that salmon runs decline.

 

This has been a frustrating process. However, we will remain engaged to protect the valuable assets of the northwest. After all "That is the COOPERATIVE WAY."