American Rivers Voices Concern Over Withdrawal from Columbia Basin Agreement, Setback for River Health
Contact: Susan Woodward, Northwest Communications Director, swoodward@americanrivers.org
OLYMPIA, Wash.—American Rivers is deeply disappointed by today’s federal government decision to withdraw from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement.
The 2023 agreement between the U.S. government, the states of Washington and Oregon, and four tribes (the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama) prioritizes a suite of essential river activities across the Columbia Basin. These include ensuring continuity of the services provided by four dams on the lower Snake River so they can be breached and restoring healthy and abundant native fish populations throughout the Columbia Basin, many of which are on the brink of extinction.
“This move weakens years of bipartisan cooperation to protect water security, local economies, and responsible stewardship of natural resources in the Pacific Northwest,” said Sarah Dyrdahl, Northwest Regional Director for American Rivers. “Scientists tell us urgent action is needed to prevent the devastating decline of several keystone salmon species that support our local communities, wildlife, and an intertwined economy worth billions of dollars. Coming on the heels of staff and funding cuts at NOAA, which administers programs such as the Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund, ending this agreement is yet another significant setback to plans to restore the basin so we can retain our regional identity and ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.”
Today’s presidential memorandum also jeopardizes a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement about operating the system of hydropower dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers.
Two years ago, Washington state embarked on four studies to ensure the services provided by the lower Snake River dams will continue after breaching. Along with partners, American Rivers will continue to work on these studies into the region’s transportation, water supply, clean energy, and recreational needs, with final recommendations expected in late 2026.
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American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org