[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2163-E2164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE NORTHWEST SALMON RECOVERY ACT OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIZABETH FURSE

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 1998

  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, as the entire country knows, the Pacific 
Northwest enjoys significant benefits from federal power through the 
Bonneville Power Administration. As I have advocated throughout my 
career, the Northwest also needs to be able to meet all of the public 
obligations associated with these benefits, including restoring fish 
and wildlife, meeting tribal treaty and trust obligations, and paying 
the U.S. Treasury.
  I come to the floor today to introduce legislation that will give the 
Northwest region new tools to deal with anticipated changes in the 
utility industry, and new tools to promote salmon recovery and 
renewables conservation.
  This bill, the Northwest Salmon Recovery Act of 1998, includes the 
following provisions to help the region get on track with its 
conservation responsibilities:
  First, a Unified Plan for Fish and Wildlife. Under this bill, the 
Secretary of the Interior will be responsible for overseeing the 
development of a unified plan for salmon recovery in the Pacific 
Northwest. The plan will have as its

[[Page E2164]]

goal to restore harvestable, sustainable fish and wildlife populations 
in the Columbia Basin, consistent with the ESA, the NW Power Act, the 
U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty, and the Clean Water Act.
  Second, the bill establishes a Natural Resources Recovery Fund. This 
Fund will aid us in paying for restoration of fish and wildlife in the 
Columbia Basin, the fish mitigation and enhancement requirements of the 
Northwest Power Act, and the water quality standards under the Clean 
Water Act. Funding would come from a 3 mills/kilowatt hour charge on 
all retail power sales in the northwest.
  Third, this bill provides accountability. The bill provides for an 
improved accounting system for BPA expenditures, based upon GAO 
recommendations. Under these provisions, Treasury repayments are met; 
WPPSS debt obligations are met; costs for flood control, navigation, 
power generation, irrigation, and fish & wildlife are independently 
assessed and reported; and accounting records are made publicly 
available.
  Finally, this legislation creates a cost recovery mechanism that 
would give BPA authorization to adjust the rates of its customers up to 
the market rate.
  At this critical time for salmon in the Northwest, bold steps are 
needed to ensure that these fish do not go extinct. I know that my 
colleagues continue to lead the fight to protect salmon and restore the 
greatness of these Northwest icons after I'm gone.

                          ____________________