Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 5, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Northwest Governors to Collaborate on Fish Recovery, Regional Economic Vitality

The Northwest’s four governors today announced a renewed collaborative effort to address Columbia River Basin fish recovery, affordable power, regional economic vitality and the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) impact on these issues. In a letter to President Bush, the governors forwarded a series of recommendations to the federal agencies working in the region in these areas.

The announcement followed a meeting of Govs. Gary Locke of Washington, Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho, Judy Martz of Montana and Ted Kulongoski of Oregon. The meeting took place at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.

The effort brings a new focus on the environmental and economic issues facing the Pacific Northwest, building upon recommendations from a landmark agreement developed by the region’s four governors in July 2000. In particular, the governors discussed new federal court developments dealing with salmon recovery and the continuing effect of fluctuating power prices.

The governors agreed that the recovery and restoration of fish in the Columbia River Basin is and must be a high priority for the region. A huge investment has been made in our tributaries to protect and restore habitat for fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

“We must continue working to ensure the health of our waters and the fish that inhabit them. This is a commitment vital to our environment, our economy and our children,” Locke said.

“It’s vitally important that the region speak with one voice on salmon recovery and energy issues,” Kempthorne said. “Today we have once again affirmed our commitment to restoring and protecting our natural resources and the economy of our four states. I’m very pleased with the work we’ve done, and the path forward we’ve set for the Columbia River Basin.”

“The governors are committed to protecting the region’s economy and ratepayers and to the protection and recovery of fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin,” Martz said. “These recommendations reflect those commitments.”

“It is clear to all of us that the environment and the economy of the Northwest states are inextricably linked. We agree that we have to do everything in our power to protect and preserve the Columbia River Basin,” said Kulongoski.

In recognizing that fish recovery involves the entire life cycle of fish, requiring efforts across “all H’s” – Habitat, Hydroelectric System, Harvest and Hatcheries – the governors also emphasized a fifth “H”, for Humans, as essential to this effort.

The governors again acknowledged, as they did in 2000, that the federal hydropower system is potentially at risk. The governors renewed their commitment to push forward with a proactive fish and wildlife recovery strategy, emphasizing that breaching the four lower Snake River dams must not be an option.

As part of this strong effort, the governors made a series of recommendations, including more certain BPA and federal funding commitments, and asked that the Council provide a report on the status of the implementation of these recommendations by the end of 2003.

Given the vulnerable state of the regional economy, the four governors agreed that Pacific Northwest electricity customers are not prepared to absorb another large wholesale rate increase, and that steps must be taken now to hold rates down. In this regard, the governors encouraged an independent and transparent review of BPA costs.

The governors also agreed that the Pacific Northwest must continue to reap the regional economic benefits from the BPA. The citizens of the Northwest long ago committed to be responsible for the system and have paid the costs associated with the dams and as stewards of natural resources. The hydropower system is inextricably linked to the region’s economy and natural environment. The governors agreed that they would maintain a united front to oppose any challenge to degrade the regional benefits provided by the federal hydropower system in the Northwest.

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