Tri Cities Real Estate News & Views

AT ISSUE
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is not only the region’s largest supplier of electricity; it is the primary funding source for salmon protection. Approximately $750 million is spent annually by BPA either directly on fish and wildlife protection or on purchases to replace lost generation. There was approximately $70 million in lost power generation in 2006 alone due to summer spill. BPA’s fish and wildlife mitigation goals and obligations are not clearly defined, resulting in BPA spending millions of dollars on protection projects that at best are not prioritized for effectiveness, or at worst, are a waste of ratepayer dollars. We need long range planning for a salmon strategy that is scientific and performance based, cost effective, and is measurable and accountable by BPA.

TRI CITY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL POSITION
• The four lower Snake River dams produce enough clean, reliable, renewable energy to power the entire city of Seattle. The region can not afford to lose the energy produced by these renewable energy sources. We strongly oppose the breaching of any dam on the Snake and Columbia rivers.
• Achieve scientifically sound mitigation plans for fish and wildlife and efficient and costeffective river operations, including reduction or elimination of summer spill. Promote cost-effective, responsible salmon recovery policies that maintain vital benefits of the river system.
• Local interests along with legislative overview should decide rules on shoreline management.  Proposed rules could result in taking of property and have a severe impact upon the local and state’s economy.
• Buffers should be set by common sense with weather conditions, wind directions, and velocity considered.

BACKGROUND
While we believe in protecting the environment, we believe it is time we have accountability for the billions of dollars that are wasted in salmon “recovery” each year. The debate over salmon protection rages on. We have seen our power rates almost doubled, putting our jobs, industries, and economic base elsewhere.  The Washington State Department of Ecology must consider the pesticide findings of the Washington State Department of Agriculture when establishing rules on shorelines as well as meeting with local affected parties and giving them authority to shape any rules.

For more information, contact the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce.