Columbia River Treaty renewal announced
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News from the office of Sen. Jon Tester
WASHINGTON D.C. — The Biden Administration announced on July 11 their commitment to modernizing the Columbia River Treaty. The proposal revises the longstanding treaty between the United States and Canada governing the management of the Columbia River Basin and its hydropower dams. The Columbia River flows through western Montana.
“From irrigating the fields that feed the world to producing the hydropower that powers our homes and small businesses, the Columbia River Basin plays a key role in boosting Montana’s local economies and keeping the lights on in communities across the country,” said Sen. Jon Tester. “The Columbia River Treaty that’s been in place for 60 years was due for an update, so I’m glad to see that after years of negotiations and pressure on the Administration, we are taking an important step toward modernizing this important agreement. But we haven’t crossed the finish line yet, and as we work to finalize the terms, I will be working with Montanans to make sure the updated treaty serves folks on the Columbia River Basin and supports the vital industries that rely on it today and well into the future.”
The Columbia River Basin is responsible for generating 40% of U.S. hydropower, irrigating $8 billion in agriculture products, and moving 42 million tons of commercial cargo every year.
