TOPPENISH, WA — The Yakama Nation is urging the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to restore more than $50 million in funds critical for salmon recovery. According to a press release, the withheld funds jeopardize the Tribe’s salmon recovery efforts and federal environmental commitments.
The Yakama Nation expressed concern over BPA’s decision, which was based on the Tribe’s support for a procedural motion in the National Wildlife Federation v. National Marine Fisheries Service case. Councilman Jeremy Takala emphasized that lifting the stay was not a litigation attack but a routine step following federal withdrawal from the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement.
“BPA’s reaction mischaracterizes what happened and puts unnecessary strain on a partnership that has accomplished real work for salmon,” said Takala.
The Yakama Nation argues that BPA’s withholding of funds harms ongoing projects like hatchery operations and habitat restoration, which are vital for meeting Endangered Species Act obligations. Chairman Gerald Lewis criticized BPA’s actions, stating they are unfair and detrimental to shared progress.
“The federal government—not the Yakama Nation—walked away from both the RCBA and the Fish Accords,” said Lewis.
The Tribe remains committed to working with BPA to restore Columbia Basin salmon and is concerned about how BPA plans to handle the reclaimed funds. Takala stressed that ratepayers have already covered these costs, and the funds should be used for fish restoration.
