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Flathead Electric official asks county to contest increased 'spill' recommendations and oppose Lower Snake River dam breaching
Summary
Ron Catlett of Flathead Electric urged commissioners to support a county letter to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council that calls for updated fish‑restoration objectives, opposes recommended increases in spill that reduce hydropower generation, and asserts the council lacks authority to consider breaching the Lower Snake River dams; commissioners approved sending the letter.
Ron Catlett of Flathead Electric Cooperative told Flathead County commissioners the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s proposed amendments to the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Plan warrant pushback from local stakeholders who support hydropower.
Catlett asked commissioners to endorse a letter asking the council to update fish‑restoration objectives (which he described as dated), oppose recommendations to increase spill that would reduce water available for power generation, and refrain from entertaining recommendations to breach the Lower Snake River dams, which he said is outside the council’s statutory purview and is an action for Congress.
Catlett argued the council’s draft objectives are out of date and do not account for decades of work on fish and wildlife conservation; he said about one‑third of ratepayer dollars at Flathead Electric go to fish and wildlife conservation. He asked local stakeholders to emphasize hydropower’s role in multi‑use river management and to push back against policy shifts that would prioritize spill over generation.
Commissioners voiced support and one commissioner noted participation in technical management meetings overseeing Columbia River water and agreed with Catlett's characterization. A motion to send the letter with the recommended positions was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote.
