Angie Craig: “Let me give an example. I thank my colleague. I will reclaim my time and give an example. Some weeks ago, an acting…”

“Let me give an example. I thank my colleague. I will reclaim my time and give an example. Some weeks ago, an acting regional administrator of National Marine Fisheries told the largest utility in Idaho, which is a hydro-based utility, that they had to dump their water; they could not generate with it. It just so happens that Idaho and the Pacific Northwest are in a drought at this moment. The 320,000 acre feet of water impounded for the purpose of generating power for Boise, ID, and the surrounding area was being ordered to be dumped in the name of fish and fish recovery. The power company thought it was inappropriate to do and unnecessary under the law, even recognizing the need to protect the fish. When they refused, that acting agent sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking they order the water be dumped. At that time, I and other members of the Idaho congressional delegation got involved. We began to examine it. Frankly, we found an individual who was operating and making decisions in a manner that we thought inconsistent with the law, much more consistent with their philosophical bent than the legal responsibility and the right administration of the law. We asked for a conference. We asked that all the parties be brought to Washington to solve this problem.”