BPA Tries to Shift the Goalposts for Salmon Recovery
As Columbia River salmon populations decline—some nearing extinction—the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is attempting to wash its hands of responsibility. BPA, which markets power from federal dams in the Columbia Basin, is legally required under the Northwest Power Act to mitigate the damage those dams inflict on fish and wildlife. But in its recent recommendations to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (the Council), BPA is pushing to abandon the Council’s long-held salmon recovery goal: 5 million adult fish returning to the Basin each year.This goal, established in 1987 by the Council, was based on a comprehensive review that found hydropower caused the lion’s share of salmon losses—between 5 and 11 million fish—out of the Basin’s historical runs of up to 16 million. The 5 million fish goal isn’t arbitrary; it’s the minimum needed to begin turning the tide of extinction and restore balance to the ecosystem. Yet BPA now claims the target is outdated, unrealistic, and not its responsibility—even though it is central to the very law that governs BPA’s role in the region. Using the rest of its Fish and Wildlife Program, the Council tasks federal agencies, including BPA, with taking actions to achieve the goal. BPA’s recommendation comes as some runs of salmon and steelhead are nearing functional extinction, and as both the Endangered Species Act and general salmon recovery funding in the region are under attack by the Trump Administration. Without direction from the Council, salmon recovery will lose momentum and the agencies implementing the program would lose accountability. This move is not only irresponsible—it’s unlawful. BPA is essentially trying to solve the problem of dwindling salmon runs by pretending the target for recovery never mattered. Meanwhile, Tribes, states, and regional fishery experts have submitted a science-driven roadmap that would actually move the needle on salmon recovery. Their recommendations include reforms to dam operations, habitat restoration, fish passage improvements, and stronger mitigation strategies—all of which fall squarely within BPA’s obligations.In addition, the Council is considering an analysis of more fish-friendly dam operations that were recommended by states and Tribes. This includes an analysis of replacing the energy services provided by the lower Snake River dams, when they are breached. Understanding what renewable energy resources are needed to replace the dams is a key step forward in our efforts to restore a free-flowing river, so the Council should take up this proposed analysis as part of its power planning process. We cannot let BPA move the goalposts and avoid accountability. We must plan for dam operations that will actually help restore abundant salmon and steelhead. Sign the petition. Tell the Council it must retain the 5 million salmon goal and reject BPA’s attempt to walk away from salmon recovery. Want to tell the Council in person? Sign up to attend their meeting at Tamarack Resort on October 15th - 16th, and provide a public comment.