The Biden administration, along with leaders of four Columbia River Basin tribes and the governors of Oregon and Washington, celebrated the formal launch of a $1 billion plan aimed at helping recover depleted salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest. The plan, announced in December, focuses on boosting clean energy production and offsetting benefits provided by the controversial dams on the Snake River, without calling for their removal.
The agreement, known as the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, marks a significant step towards potentially taking down the four Snake River dams. It aims to strengthen tribal clean energy projects and provide benefits for communities relying on the Columbia Basin for agriculture, energy, recreation, and transportation.
Tribal leaders emphasized the cultural and economic importance of salmon to their communities, highlighting the need to protect and restore salmon populations. The Columbia River Basin, once a prolific salmon-producing river system, has seen a decline in salmon stocks, with several species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Dams along the Columbia-Snake River system have been identified as a major factor contributing to the decline of salmon populations. While some groups have advocated for dam removal, the current plan focuses on a collaborative approach to address the issue while considering the interests of all stakeholders in the region.
The signing ceremony was described as a historic moment by tribal representatives, who expressed hope for the restoration of salmon and steelhead populations to healthy levels. The plan also includes provisions for a green energy transition in a socially just and equitable manner.
Despite opposition from some congressional Republicans who oppose dam breaching, the Biden administration and tribal leaders remain committed to the vision of a restored Columbia River Basin teeming with wild fish, prosperous tribal nations, clean energy, a strong agricultural economy, and upgraded transportation and recreation systems.
