Conservation Groups Seek Congressional Hearing on BPA's Disregard for Endangered Fish and Wildlife

July 12, 2007 - Source: PR Newswire

Over 25 conservation and fishing groups who claim the Bonneville Power Administration has failed to protect endangered fish and wildlife are petitioning Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) to hold an oversight hearing in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. The groups claim the BPA is in violation of the Northwest Power Planning & Conservation Act, which passed in 1980.

"Today, Columbia-Snake salmon are threatened with extinction because of blatant noncompliance with landmark laws, including the Endangered Species Act and the Northwest Power Act," said Donna Stine, deputy director of policy for Michigan United Conservation Clubs "The failure to balance sound science and economics sets a dangerous precedent by compromising our ability to protect and restore fish and wildlife populations around the country."