Co-op wants to move forward with fish plan

The board of trustees and management of Flathead Electric Cooperative are deeply concerned regarding the latest response (issued May 18, 2009) from U.S. District Judge James Redden, to the Federal Biological Opinion (BiOp or plan) on Columbia and Snake river hydro operations.

During a March court hearing, Judge Redden said the plan was “very close.” Now, in what appears to be a sudden about-face, the judge has expressed serious reservations about it and lists six additional actions he wants the government to consider implementing before he renders a decision in the case.

The Obama administration is currently reviewing the biological opinion. Ultimately, they will decide whether to support it, modify it or reject it in favor of starting over. Flathead Electric trustees feel it is imperative that the administration support this plan without further delay and are calling for strong advocacy from our Montana delegates in Washington, D.C.

For the first time in decades, the region has true consensus on salmon recovery because the plan was developed collaboratively by Northwest states, federal agencies and the tribes. They have rallied around a common plan and stand ready to implement that plan, not litigate it further. The biological opinion is based on sound science and should provide substantial benefits, including a commitment to help the fish and invest in them as a listed species.

The few who do not support the plan are focused on promoting dam removal and/or further diminishing the region’s clean hydro energy supply in the name of helping fish, but with no real support for their claims. The hydro system provides the region not only with clean, renewable energy, but also with jobs, economic stability and cleaner skies.

In supporting the federal biological opinion as it stands, the president has an historic opportunity to set aside regional divisiveness and to forge ahead with constructive actions that will actually help endangered fish.

Up to 30 percent of Co-op members’ electric bills already go toward funding fish and wildlife mitigation efforts. They should not have to shoulder even more of the costs that would be incurred by Judge Redden’s implications and by those whose sole focus seems to be to remain in the courtroom indefinitely.

George Taylor, president, on behalf of the board of trustees for Flathead Electric Cooperative.