T. Gorton: “late yesterday afternoon, the National Marine Fisheries Service [NMFS] briefed Congress on the outcome of its…”

“late yesterday afternoon, the National Marine Fisheries Service [NMFS] briefed Congress on the outcome of its consultations with other agencies regarding the operation of the Columbia River Federal Hydropower System. These consultations are required under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and result in a biological opinion that determines whether the operation of Federal dams will jeopardize the continued existence of endangered salmon and other species. This announcement has been much anticipated in the Northwest, as the biological opinion could govern Columbia River operations for the next 5 years. The stakes for individual ratepayers, energy-intensive industries, farmers, boaters, and fishermen are enormous. Two weeks ago, Senator Craig and I took to the Senate floor to bring this issue to the attention of my colleagues, and to issue a strong warning to NMFS that real jobs and real people would be affected by its decisions. At that time there were indications that radical flow proposals were being advocated by NMFS--proposals that could cost Northwest ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars per year and leave area reservoirs virtually dry. The opinion that NMFS released yesterday is not as drastic as originally feared, but it will still result in additional costs to Northwest families and businesses. It also raises serious questions about how the Endangered Species Act works--or better yet, does not work.”