Aiexpress – The signing of the papers to officially launch a $1 billion plan aimed at restoring the dwindling salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest was celebrated by the Biden administration, leaders of four Columbia River Basin tribes, and the governors of Oregon and Washington in Washington, D.C. on Friday.
The plan, which was announced in December, did not go so far as to propose the removal of the four contentious dams on the Snake River, as requested by certain environmental groups and tribal leaders. However, officials claim that it will increase the production of clean energy and serve as a potential compensation for the dams’ hydropower, transportation, and other advantages if Congress ever approves their breach.
The Biden administration has successfully negotiated a plan that puts a temporary halt to the ongoing legal battles surrounding federal dam operations. This marks a significant milestone in the eventual removal of the four Snake River dams. As part of the plan, tribal clean energy projects will receive a boost, while tribes and other communities that rely on the Columbia Basin for various purposes such as agriculture, energy, recreation, and transportation will enjoy additional benefits, according to the White House.
Yakama Nation Chairman Gerald Lewis expressed during a White House ceremony that the Yakama Nation and its people have always derived their strength from the Columbia River and the abundance of fish, game, roots, and berries it provides.
Lewis emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Yakama Nation to safeguard and revive the salmon population. According to him, the well-being of their community and their traditional lifestyle relies heavily on the presence of healthy salmon. He further stated that the salmon in the Columbia Basin are facing a critical threat due to the adverse effects of human development.
“Our fishermen are experiencing empty nets and empty tables due to the lack of action from the federal government in addressing these issues,” he expressed. “While we recognize the importance of clean energy development, it is crucial that we prioritize socially just approaches.”
Lewis, along with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, was among four tribal leaders who delivered speeches at the hourlong ceremony held at the White House complex. The event also featured the participation of various federal officials.
Jonathan W. Smith, chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, expressed his enthusiasm for the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, stating that it is a cause for celebration.
According to the speaker, the settlement considers the interests of all stakeholders in the Columbia Basin. He emphasizes that it provides a clear plan to restore salmon and steelhead populations to healthy and abundant levels. Moreover, the settlement also prioritizes the transition to green energy in a socially just and equitable manner.
Corinne Sams, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, expressed her excitement and described the signing ceremony as a historic moment. She emphasized that this moment was significant not only for the tribes but also for the U.S. government and all Americans in the Pacific Northwest. “My heart is filled with joy today,” she added.
The Columbia River Basin, which spans an area approximately the size of Texas, used to be renowned as the most productive salmon river system globally, boasting a total of 16 salmon and steelhead stocks. However, the current reality paints a much bleaker picture, with four of these stocks having gone extinct and seven now listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Dams have played a significant role in the decline of salmon populations. According to federal fisheries scientists, the best solution for their recovery is to breach the dams in eastern Washington on the Snake River. This action would give the fish access to extensive stretches of untouched habitat and spawning grounds in Idaho, offering them a promising chance for revival.
More than two decades ago, conservation groups filed a lawsuit against the federal government in an attempt to protect the fish. Their argument is that the ongoing operation of the dams goes against the Endangered Species Act and longstanding treaties from the mid-19th century that guarantee the tribes’ fishing rights.
Friday’s celebration did not involve congressional Republicans who are against dam breaching and have made a commitment to obstruct it.
According to Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican and Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, dams along the Columbia-Snake River system contribute 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 consumed.
In a statement, Rodgers highlighted how the Snake River dams have played a crucial role in the transformation of Eastern Washington into a highly productive agricultural region. He emphasized that these dams are responsible for the cultivation of 40% of America’s wheat, contributing significantly to the region’s agricultural success.
In a strong statement, Rodgers criticized the “secret negotiations” conducted by White House senior adviser John Podesta, characterizing them as an effort to breach the Lower Snake River dams. She expressed her concern that Podesta and other officials have disregarded the worries of residents in the Pacific Northwest who would be greatly affected if these dams were to be breached.
During the White House ceremony, Podesta and other speakers chose to overlook these concerns, with only a few of them mentioning the dams.
“Brenda Mallory, chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, emphasized President Biden’s recognition of the Columbia River as a vital lifeline for the Pacific Northwest. It holds immense significance for the region’s culture, economy, and its communities,” Mallory stated.
Mallory expressed her enthusiasm for the historic agreement, stating that it is paving the way for the restoration of the river and the fulfillment of our duties and commitments to tribal nations. She confidently believes that we will achieve our vision of a revitalized Columbia River Basin, abundant with wild fish, thriving tribal communities, accessible clean energy, a robust agricultural economy, and improved transportation and recreation opportunities.
