NOR'WESTER NEWSLETTER ISSUE #343

masthead

September 15, 2009
In This Issue:
Administration Validates Salmon BiOp
Administration Validates Salmon BiOp
 
Today, the Obama Administration presented its review of the Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion (BiOp) to Judge Redden, U.S. District Court of Oregon. After an exhaustive review led by NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, the Obama Administration concluded that the salmon BiOp exceeds the requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
 
PNWA is pleased with the Obama Administration's review. The next step needed is for Judge Redden to rule that the BiOp meets the requirements of the law.
 
It is difficult to picture a more open, collaborative or all-inclusive process for vetting the best available science. That, combined with the Administration's positive review, gives us reason to look forward to a positive ruling from Judge Redden. We are ready to get out of the courtroom and focus the region's energies on rebuilding fish runs under the guidance of this BiOp.
 
The Administration concluded that the BiOp:
  • Is legally sound,
  • Is based on the best available science,
  • Satisfies the jeopardy standard.
  • The listed species are expected to survive with adequate likelihood for recovery, and
  • River operations will not negatively affect critical habitat.
The Obama Administration's review:
  • Supports the biop,
  • Validates the science,
  • Continues the collaboration,
  • Addresses Judge Redden's concerns,
  • Meets the requirements of the ESA,
  • Rebuilds fish runs, and
  • Maintains a strong regional economy, clean hydropower and efficient barge navigation.
This BiOp provides:
  • More funding,
  • More actions,
  • More certainty,
  • More cooperation, and
  • More promise for ongoing success in rebuilding fish runs.
The BiOp is supported by:
  • The Obama Administration,
  • The majority of the region's Treaty Tribes,
  • The majority of the upriver Tribes,
  • The majority of the states, and
  • The major river users.
The following PNWA press release was distributed to the media this morning.
 
September 15, 2009
 
For Immediate Release:
 
Contact:
Glenn Vanselow, Executive Director
Pacific Northwest Waterways Association
9115 SW Oleson Road, Suite 101, Portland, Oregon 97223
direct: 503-234-8551, 503-804-2663
glenn.vanselow@pnwa.net, www.pnwa.net
 
Administration Validates Salmon BiOp
 
Portland, Oregon, September 15, 2009 - Navigation interests applaud the Obama Administration's validation of the Columbia River salmon Biological Opinion (BiOp).
 
Today, the Obama Administration presented its review of the Federal Columbia River Power System BiOp to Judge Redden, U.S. District Court of Oregon. After an exhaustive review led by NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, the Obama Administration concluded that the salmon BiOp exceeds the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. They told the Court that the BiOp is legally sound, is based on the best available science and satisfies the jeopardy standard. The listed species are expected to survive, with adequate likelihood for recovery and river operations will not negatively affect critical habitat.
 
"The Obama Administration's review supports the BiOp, validates the science, continues the collaboration and addresses Judge Redden's concerns. It meets the requirements of the ESA, rebuilds fish runs and maintains a strong regional economy, clean hydropower and efficient barge navigation," said Glenn Vanselow, executive director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. "This BiOp provides more funding, more actions, more certainty, more cooperation, and more promise for ongoing success in rebuilding fish runs than this region has ever seen."
 
Vanselow added, "We are pleased with the Obama Administration's review. It is supported by the majority of the region's Treaty Tribes, the majority of the upriver Tribes, the majority of the states and the major river users. We are ready to get out of the courtroom and focus the region's energies on rebuilding fish runs under the guidance of this BiOp."

-END-
 
About PNWA. For 75 years, PNWA has been the regional leader in working with the U.S. Congress, federal agencies and regional decision makers on federal policy in support of transportation, trade, economic development and environmental sustainability in the Pacific Northwest. PNWA represents multiple industries in the public and private sectors in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California. Members include public ports, navigation, transportation, international trade, agriculture, forest products, energy and governmental interests.

PNWA Staff Contact: Glenn Vanselow