(PORTLAND, OR) -- The Public Power Council acknowledges
today’s letter from Oregon Governor Brown concerning the long-term future of
the federal projects on the Lower Snake River. Because of the complexity of
impacts, and the variety of stakeholder interests, PPC is eagerly anticipating the
release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in the Columbia River
System Operation (CRSO) process before evaluating specific alternatives.
It is particularly unfortunate timing that Oregon took a
position for breaching federal multipurpose projects just ahead of the release
of the draft CRSO EIS. All parties are free to weigh in, but the future of any
federal project is squarely a federal decision.
The CRSO EIS process is the appropriate venue for
consideration of the operation of the federal hydropower system and how to
balance its benefits and impacts for the entire Pacific Northwest. With the
release of the draft EIS just days away, Oregon’s position may hinder the
potential for collaboration among the diverse stakeholders in the region.
Breaching of the Lower Snake River projects would have broad
economic consequences for the region, including the 25 percent of Oregon
ratepayers served by non-profit, public utilities that rely on the Bonneville
Power Administration for reliable, economic, and low-carbon power. Moreover,
Oregon’s position substantially undermines the state’s own environmental goals.
We appreciate the acknowledgment of the key role of hydropower in our region.
The federal hydro system, including the Lower Snake River projects, represents
the nation’s largest source of flexible, reliable, and carbon-free electricity.
Degradation of the hydro system exacerbates the challenges of climate change
rather than moving towards solutions.
The parties that decide to abandon the search for
collaborative solutions should not continue to reap the benefits of that
collaboration, including the fish and wildlife mitigation funding those parties
receive from Bonneville’s ratepayers.
It is our sincere hope that all parties realize the benefits
of continued cooperation rather than division.
About the Public
Power Council
The Public Power Council, established in 1966, is an
association that represents over 100 consumer-owned electric utilities in the
Pacific Northwest. PPC’s mission is to preserve and protect the benefits of the
Federal Columbia River Power System for consumer-owned utilities. PPC is a key
forum to identify, discuss and build consensus around energy and utility
issues.
