Columbia Basin pact will aid salmon, tribes, clean energy

I’m writing to affirm the importance of the Columbia Basin Commitments recently highlighted in a recent editorial (“Two works in progress to save Columbia Basin salmon,” The Herald, Feb. 29). Making immediate, tangible progress on this agreement comes at a critical moment. Columbia and Snake River salmon are running out of time and the Northwest is undergoing a rapid energy transition as we face the twin challenges of meeting climate goals and the escalating pressures of climate change.

The lower Snake River dams come at too high a cost; to people and to wildlife. We can separate out the good dams from the bad with solutions that allow salmon and clean energy production to co-exist.

The agreement signed at the White House recently is centered on Northwest Tribal clean energy programs. In supporting Tribal clean energy sovereignty, new federal investment will go toward replacing the power that comes from the lower Snake River dams. Experts agree: The energy provided by the lower Snake River dams can be replaced. The agreement doubles down on that certainty by investing in a comprehensive energy planning exercise to address electric system needs salmon recovery and decarbonization goals.

The Northwest is on the right course, thanks to Northwest Tribes and state leaders in Washington and Oregon.

Jacqueline Koch

National Wildlife Federation

Seattle