The Northwest is at an energy crossroads.

We need smart solutions for affordable, reliable energy that also support healthy salmon runs.

Like many places across the country, our region’s energy grid is under pressure today. There are many reasons for this, including rapidly increasing demand for electricity from data centers, population growth, extreme weather events and a needed transition away from fossil fuels. Additional strain comes from years of drought and diminished snowpack affecting our ability to generate hydropower. Our system needs major upgrades and new renewable energy sources to meet these challenges.

Now is the time for honest conversations and real solutions for an affordable and reliable energy future. Unfortunately, some regional utilities are misleading the public about what is driving the rising energy costs. They claim that measures in the Columbia Basin needed to protect imperiled salmon will significantly drive up our energy bills.

Salmon are not the reason for rising costs.

The top factors driving up electricity prices today include necessary upgrades to aging infrastructure, inflation and costs associated with mitigating wildfire risks and extreme weather events.*

Smart planning and timely investment in a modern, reliable transmission and energy system will keep rates affordable while protecting salmon. Changing the way the hydropower system is operated to support healthy and abundant salmon and advance a modern and reliable electricity system is a win-win for all of us.

With many populations less than 1% of historic levels, Columbia Basin wild salmon are in grave danger.

Now more than ever, we need to ensure these fish are here for our children and grandchildren. Healthy, fishable salmon and steelhead populations are central to our Northwest way of life. Abundant salmon runs are the lifeblood for thousands of small, often family-run businesses in our region. They’re also a promise our nation must keep with Northwest Tribes. We can protect and restore salmon and steelhead and provide affordable and reliable energy. But only if we make it a priority.

Smart energy choices will shape our future. We need to get it right.

The Northwest needs smart, affordable energy solutions that allow our salmon to recover and thrive. All utilities here in the Northwest owe their customers accountability and transparency. A misinformation campaign that points fingers, distorts facts, and blames policymakers will never allow us to meet this moment.

People in the Northwest have solved complex challenges before. We can do it again. But it will require real leadership, honest dialogue and decisive action to recover salmon while also meeting our growing energy needs.

*Retail Electricity Price Trends and Drivers - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2026

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