John,

In 2022, we got a few steps closer to a free-flowing lower Snake River, a change that would have profound implications for endangered salmon, imperiled orcas and Northwest Tribes. Let’s get you up to speed:

In early August, the Biden Administration committed to the “development of a durable long-term strategy to restore salmon and other native fish populations to healthy and abundant levels.”
Later in August, US Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Gov. Jay Inslee released recommendations that put the region on a path to restoring a free-flowing lower Snake River. A related report determined that not only is replacement of the dams’ services feasible and affordable, it’s vital to saving salmon from extinction.
Then on Sept. 30, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a scientific report concluding that restoration of a free-flowing lower Snake is “essential” and a “centerpiece action” for the recovery of Pacific Northwest salmon.

These developments break a decades-long gridlock and create the possibility of real solutions. Alas, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) – the agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that markets the power from the lower Snake River dams’ – is ignoring the current Administration’s goals. BPA needs to get on board.

Please contact US DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm today. Ask her to direct the BPA to align with the salmon recovery goals of the Biden Administration, as well as with the goals of regional elected leaders.

Take action now to restore the lower Snake River and to stop salmon extinction.

ACT NOW

Sincerely,

Rein Attemann
Puget Sound Campaign Manager