Final "Regional Recommendation for the Future of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024" released    

This morning, the U.S. Entity transmitted the finalized "Regional Recommendation for the Future of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024" to Department of State.

PNWA appreciates the work of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and the Sovereign Review Team to evaluate the Columbia River Treaty as it relates to hydropower, flood control, navigation, irrigation, recreation and the environment. The final Regional Recommendation captures the importance of the many authorized uses of the river system. The document recognizes the need to address the Canadian Entitlement, continued coordination of flood control activities, and the importance of navigation, irrigation, and other authorized uses to the region and the nation.

The U.S. Entity notes that "it is important to achieve a modernized framework for the Treaty that balances power production, flood risk management, and ecosystem-based function as the primary purposes addressed in the Treaty, while also meeting other congressionally authorized purposes of the U.S. projects, such as irrigation and navigation."

As the State Department begins its effort to evaluate the Treaty and the Regional Recommendation, PNWA members look forward to continued involvement in stakeholder dialogue with Congressional and federal agency leaders. Regional interests that would be impacted by changes to the river system - utilities, navigation, irrigators, and flood control authorities - will be critical participants as the process continues to evolve. These regional interests serve millions of Northwest residents through power delivery, facilitating trade routes for regional and national cargo, producing high-value crops, and protecting lives and businesses from floods. Their expertise is critical as potential changes to river operations are contemplated.

For more information regarding the Columbia River Treaty and PNWA's work on this issue, or to provide feedback to PNWA staff, please contact Kristin Meira.