Washington Senator Claudia Kauffman, the 2024 chair of CSG West’s Legislative Council on River Governance (LCRG), hosted Columbia River Basin policymakers in Richland, Washington, from September 9–11. The meeting kicked off with a reception at the REACH museum, featuring unique exhibits and grounds that celebrate the geology, history and the pivotal role of the Tri-Cities area and Hanford during World War II and its aftermath.
Issues presented and discussed during the meeting included:
- Columbia River Basin Project & The Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project
- Columbia River Treaty: Preliminary Agreement on Amendments
- Six Sovereigns Agreement
- Preservation and Conservation of Salmon
- Fisheries Activities and Updates by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- 6-PPD Legislation and Roundtable Discussion
- CSG West Resolution on Harmonizing State & Provincial Approaches to Invasive Species (AIS,) Prevention and Mitigation, and Canine Inspection Demo
- The Future of Energy on the Columbia River
Forum Takeaways
Despite investments and efforts by federal, state, and tribal governments, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs,) Salmon, Lamprey, Steelhead and other fish species continue to languish from the basin. Hydroelectric infrastructure, even with modifications, present barriers to fish migration and water temperatures necessary for fish survival. Additionally, native, wild stock fisheries are further compromised by the reliance on fish planting to supplement the supply of salmon.
Salmon are directly linked to the cultural, health, and economic well-being of Northwest tribes and communities. Opportunities exist to restore salmon populations, and a path forward is possible through good faith negotiations and partnership among the federal, state, tribal and NGOs. These partners contend that eliminating 6-PPD and other hazards and toxins harmful to salmon should be a part of the solution.
AIS remain a persistent threat, primarily due to human vectors introducing them into the environment and waterways. In particular, Quagga mussels endanger marine and agricultural irrigation infrastructure, as well as recreational use of rivers and lakes. The risk of contaminated watercraft entering the Pacific Northwest has been mapped to sources in North Dakota, South Dakota, Florida, Arizona, and California. LCRG participants stressed the importance of collaboration between the Pacific Northwest and these states to prevent contaminated boats from crossing state lines. They also highlighted the need for funding to continue and expand inspection and decontamination efforts as needed.
The Pacific Northwest’s energy outlook is favorable due to its hydroelectric system and broad diversification of renewable energy sources. Hydropower has long been the region’s dominant power source, representing 60% of electricity generation in Washington state. Global, national, and state net-zero energy goals have accelerated efforts to fully decarbonize the energy supply and diversify sources of electricity generation. However, adding these energy sources and addressing climate volatility have created vulnerabilities in the electrical grid. Expanding nuclear, wind, and solar are key paths toward non-carbon energy, though each requires further development and operates on different timelines.
After these discussions, the meeting adjourned with the gavel passed to Idaho, which will host the 2025 LCRG meeting. Members and attendees then toured the Ice Harbor Dam, Lock, and Powerhouse—a hydroelectric, concrete gravity, run-of-the-river dam on the lower Snake River in southeastern Washington. The facility includes two fish ladders, a removable spillway weir, and a juvenile fish bypass system, providing navigation, hydropower generation, flood risk management, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and incidental irrigation.
Oregon Representative Ken Helm (left,) Washington Senator Claudia Kauffman (foreground,) and fellow Western legislators tour the Ice Harbor Dam generators during the 2024 Legislative Council on River Governance. Photo by Jackie Tinetti.