A diverse coalition representing millions of electric customers, businesses, farmers, river operators, and workers prepares to vigorously support the Northwest’s hydropower system in federal court, while renewing calls for regional leaders to join them in finding sustainable solutions that put collaboration over litigation.
This coalition includes the Public Power Council (PPC), the Inland Ports and Navigation Group (IPNG), Northwest Requirements Utilities (NRU), and Northwest Irrigation Utilities (NIU), who have been leading efforts in the U.S. District Court in Oregon, as well as Northwest RiverPartners (NWRP).
These organizations share a commitment to solutions that are lawful, practical, science-based, and durable. They seek solutions that increase salmon and steelhead populations and protect the Northwest’s reliable, affordable, carbon-free hydro-based power generation system and the river’s critical transportation and economic functions. Together, coalition members serve millions of Northwest electricity customers and tens of thousands of family-wage workers tied to river commerce.
For several years, these organizations have actively sought engagement with the diverse array of sovereign and stakeholder interests around the Columbia River system. We remain open to non-litigation paths that can bring parties together around shared goals: affordable and reliable energy, continuing fish recovery, operational flexibility, and long-term regional stability. While coalition members involved in the case will continue to engage fully in the court process, we believe the best path forward is a negotiated outcome – one that can reduce conflict and bring certainty to the region.
PPC represents the majority of consumer-owned public power utilities in communities across six Northwest states who are customers of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). IPNG represents ports, navigation, agricultural producers, and other river-based commerce interests. NRU represents the interests of small and rural BPA-supplied public utilities across the region. NIU’s membership includes rural BPA-supplied utilities with high irrigation loads. Northwest RiverPartners represents utility customers, workers, business leaders, and agricultural leaders committed to bringing science-based, balanced solutions to the region.