(PORTLAND, OR) -- PNGC Power appreciates the recent
collaborative efforts of the States of Oregon and Washington, the Nez Perce
Tribe, and the federal action agencies to get out of the courtroom and design
an operational solution for spring and summer river operations that could be
good for both salmon and the multiple users of the river system.
This
is potentially a step in the right direction, but ideally the settlement would
include the States of Idaho and Montana, as well as other parties of the
endless litigation. In part, because a partial settlement may not be a lasting
settlement.
Additionally,
given the lack of a public process, PNGC will need more information before
making a judgement on:
- How the agreement impacts power rates;
- How increased/unprecedented spill levels insisted on by Oregon (up to 125 TDG) impact ESA listed salmon; and
- The extent to which the increases in spill exacerbate carbon emissions associated with energy consumption in the western United States.
