Number: RL34453
Title: Endangered Species Act and Legal Issues Regarding Columbia Basin Salmon and Steelhead
Authors: Nic Lane and Eugene H. Buck, Resources, Science, and Industry Division; Kristina Alexander, American Law Division 
Abstract: Protective measures for fish often come at a cost in terms of energy generation or irrigation supply, and this conflict between natural resources and energy production and irrigation is at the heart of Columbia Basin conflict. Beginning in 1992, a series of BiOps were issued by NMFS. Courts have found almost all of them inconsistent with the ESA. The 2005 BiOp was remanded to NMFS, with the final, updated BiOp released in May 2008. That BiOp is now the subject of a lawsuit. The court reviewing the 2008 BiOp had stated in 2007 that if the final document did not meet ESA standards, the court might vacate the BiOp. This step would mean that any harm to a listed species by FCRPS operations would be an unauthorized "take" under the ESA. The Bonneville Power Administration has offered nearly $1 billion to four Indian tribes to resolve the litigation. However, states, environmental groups, and fishing interests, who also have acted as plaintiffs, were not included in the settlement.
Pages: 16
Date: November 26, 2008