WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 13, 2013 - House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement on the U.S. Entity’s final recommendation to the U.S. State Department regarding modifications to the Columbia River Treaty:
“While I continue to have concerns about aspects of the recommendation related to ecosystem issues, I’m pleased that the U.S. Entity made significant improvements in the final draft by focusing on post-2024 flood control operations and the reduction of the Canadian entitlement and by reflecting greater input from irrigation and navigation interests. As this process moves to the State Department, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that addressing these issues with Canada is made a priority and that there is ongoing engagement from all regional stakeholders - not just governmental entities."
The Natural Resources Committee held a field hearing this week in Pasco, WA on the Columbia River Treaty, at which a broad range of regional stakeholders testified.
