February 2, 2001

Can we generate more power and save salmon?

PORTLAND - The region's energy crisis may appear to be a question of supply and demand, but some tribal officials at today's summit want to ensure salmon don't get the squeeze.

"As it has over 50 years--the resolution of this crisis is squarely on the backs of salmon," stated Umatilla Confederated Tribes Antone Minthorn.

The challenge: Northwest dams are running at maximum power, and according to various tribal officials, that's maximized salmon mortality.

"The issue is as we push more water through the system now there will be less water in the system for the spring migrants," explained BPA representative Steve Wright.

One solution proposed to this problem was to buy back Columbia River water from area farmers. Right now, farmers could make more money if they were paid to not irrigate their crops.

Ralph Cavanaugh of the Natural Resource Defense Council believes this approach would work on two fronts. "At today's electricity prices we could use much of that water back in the river helping the fish and also generating more electricity."

Cavanaugh believes this solution could be done right now. Tribal leaders have said they are willing to consider the proposal. "It's an opportunity I think to get back, to get salmon back on the table again," said Minthorn.

http://www.katu.com/news/news_story.asp?ID=8740

-- Swissrose (cellier@azstarnet.com), February 03, 2001