Rep. Smith Statement on Columbia River Basin Agreement

SEATTLE, WA – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement on the agreement between the federal government and the Six Sovereigns – the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Washington State, and Oregon State – regarding the Columbia-Snake River System. 
 
“This historic agreement between the federal government and the Six Sovereigns creates a much-needed path forward for the Columbia River Basin. Salmon are crucial to our economy and environment in the Pacific Northwest and are a sacred part of Tribal culture in our region. I am committed to the preservation of our ecosystem, and I have long worked with my colleagues in the Washington delegation to deliver investments in restoration efforts crucial to salmon and Orca recovery. This agreement takes important steps to protect wild salmon. It also acknowledges the need to meet our region’s growing clean energy demands. While this agreement presents important opportunities for new energy generation, it is crucial that we continue to take further steps to support the long-term reliability of our energy and grid infrastructure. The agreement includes several significant investments to fund fish and wildlife restoration projects, expand the production of clean energy, and includes additional investments in clean energy, agriculture, and transportation that will benefit the entire region. This agreement helps reduce uncertainty surrounding the Columbia River Basin, but more must be done. I will closely monitor the implementation of this agreement and will continue working with my colleagues and engaging with stakeholders in the region so that we can continue to chart the best path forward for the Pacific Northwest.”

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