McDermott Introduces Salmon Planning Act for Recovery and Evaluation (SPARE)
Source: Congressman McDermott
The Salmon Recovery Plan, released in December, 2000, calls for immediate action to reverse the decline of threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River. If remedial measures are not successful in reviving populations, federal agencies may seek congressional approval to breach the four dams.
“The Bush Administration has so far failed to allocate funds to implement the 2000 Salmon Recovery Plan to avoid dam removal. If this bill nudges them to take the plan seriously, and it is successful in preventing the breaching of the dams, then no one would be happier than I would, McDermott remarked. “Now is the time to plan for all contingencies,” the congressman continued.
The legislation directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to examine:
- The economic impact of partial dam removal on local communities.
- The effects on transportation by water including: a) the feasibility, costs and sufficiency of alternative transportation by rail, highway and other means; b) the economic benefits and costs; c) the environmental impact of shifting to such alternatives; d) the means for mitigating any environmental harm that might be caused; e) any development or expansion of such alternatives that would be required to continue moving the same amount of cargo presently transported by water.
- The effects on irrigation, including the availability or need for alternatives to replace irrigation water or to extend irrigation pumps.
- The outcome on energy production, including the regional effects of any changes in Energy production, identification of alternative energy sources and their subsequent benefits and costs.
- The consequences of the extinction of salmon and steelhead populations.
The GAO study is to be completed by December 31, 2003.
“Since the four federal dams on the lower Snake River were constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, salmon and steelhead populations has plummeted,” McDermott stated, adding, “Now we have a situation where all of these species are either extinct or listed under the Endangered Species Act.”
The communities that depend on the existence of the four lower Snake River dams would be significantly affected by partial dam removal. This legislation plans for investments that will effectively mitigate these economic impacts and assure transportation of crops and commodities. At the same time, it challenges the federal government to act in good faith and provide the necessary funds to ensure implementation of the salmon recovery plan.
“Not only is it vital to save salmon and steelhead species in order to protect the fragile Columbia and Snake River Basin ecosystem, but also the U.S. Government is legally obligated by treaties with Native Tribes and the Canadian Government to protect salmon and steelhead populations. Failure to protect these populations could result in billions of taxpayer dollars being spent on compensatory and legal fees,” McDermott said.
“SPARE will protect jobs and avoid economic chaos. Citizens of the Pacific Northwest deserve more than feigned attempts to protect salmon,” McDermott emphasized.
Contact: John Larmett 202-225-3106