The signing of papers to formally launch a $1 billion plan aimed at recovering depleted salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest was met with celebration on Friday. The Biden administration, along with leaders of four Columbia River Basin tribes and the governors of Oregon and Washington, expressed their enthusiasm for this initiative.
The plan, which was announced in December, did not go as far as advocating for the removal of the four contentious dams on the Snake River, a demand made by certain environmental groups and tribal leaders. However, officials emphasized that the plan would enhance clean energy production and counterbalance the hydropower, transportation, and other advantages offered by the dams if Congress ever decides to breach them.
The Biden administration has successfully brokered a plan that effectively puts a pause on the ongoing litigation pertaining to federal dam operations. This marks a significant milestone in the eventual removal of the four Snake River dams. According to the White House, the plan aims to bolster tribal clean energy initiatives and deliver various advantages to tribes and other communities reliant on the Columbia Basin for agriculture, energy, recreation, and transportation.
“Chairman Gerald Lewis of the Yakama Nation expressed that the Columbia River has been the source of strength for their people for countless generations, providing sustenance through its abundant fish, game, roots, and berries,” he stated during a ceremony held at the White House.
“The preservation and restoration of salmon is a constant battle for the Yakama Nation. Without these magnificent creatures, our community’s well-being and way of life would be severely compromised,” Lewis passionately expressed. He further emphasized that the adverse effects of human development have led to the decline and demise of Columbia Basin salmon.
“Our fishers are facing the challenge of empty nets and their homes are left with empty tables due to the insufficient efforts made by the federal government in addressing these impacts,” he expressed concern. “While we acknowledge the need for clean energy, it is crucial that we prioritize socially equitable development.”
Lewis, along with three other tribal leaders, spoke at the hourlong ceremony at the White House complex. Also in attendance were Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, and several federal officials.
“The Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, also known as the agreement, is something that deserves to be celebrated,” expressed Jonathan W. Smith, the chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation.
The settlement considers the interests of all stakeholders in the Columbia Basin, according to the spokesperson. They emphasized that it provides a clear plan to restore salmon and steelhead populations to healthy and abundant levels. Additionally, the settlement promotes a socially just and equitable transition towards green energy.
Corinne Sams, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, described the signing ceremony as a historic occasion. She emphasized the significance of this moment not only for the tribes but also for the U.S. government and all Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Sams expressed her overwhelming emotions, stating, “My heart is filled with joy today.”
The Columbia River Basin, which spans an area comparable to the size of Texas, used to be renowned as the most prolific salmon-producing river system globally. It boasted an impressive count of 16 different stocks of salmon and steelhead. Sadly, the current scenario paints a grim picture, with four stocks already extinct and seven others listed under the protection of the Endangered Species Act.
Salmon populations have been significantly impacted by the presence of dams, with experts in federal fisheries confirming that the most effective solution to restore their numbers would involve the removal of dams in eastern Washington along the Snake River. By breaching these dams, the salmon would gain access to extensive stretches of unspoiled habitat and spawning grounds in Idaho, offering them the best chance for recovery.
More than two decades ago, conservation groups filed a lawsuit against the federal government in their attempt to protect the fish. They have presented arguments stating that the ongoing operation of the dams is a violation of the Endangered Species Act, as well as the treaties dating back to the mid-19th century that guarantee the tribes’ right to fish.
Congressional Republicans who oppose dam breaching and have pledged to block it were not included in Friday’s celebration.
According to Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the dams on the Columbia-Snake River system contribute to over one-third of the total hydropower capacity in the United States. In the state of Washington, hydropower is responsible for 70% of the electricity consumption.
In a statement, Rodgers emphasized that the Snake River dams have played a pivotal role in the transformation of Eastern Washington into one of the most productive agricultural regions globally. He highlighted that these dams have contributed significantly to the cultivation of 40% of America’s wheat.
According to Rodgers, the “secret negotiations” led by White House senior adviser John Podesta are being denounced as an attempt to breach the Lower Snake River dams. She argues that Podesta and other officials have ignored the concerns of the people living in the Pacific Northwest who would face significant impacts if these dams were to be breached.
Podesta and other speakers at the White House ceremony disregarded these concerns, with little to no mention of the dams.
Brenda Mallory, chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, emphasized that President Biden has a deep understanding of the significance of the Columbia River for the Pacific Northwest. She acknowledged that the river serves as the lifeblood of the region, playing a crucial role in its culture, economy, and the well-being of its people.
Mallory expressed her excitement about the historic agreement, emphasizing its potential to restore the river, promote clean energy, and fulfill our obligations to tribal nations. She is confident that this vision will be achieved, resulting in a revitalized Columbia River Basin that supports abundant wild fish, prosperous tribal communities, affordable clean energy, a thriving agricultural economy, and improved transportation and recreation opportunities.
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