Chelan PUD Applauds Infrastructure Bill and Push to Modernize Columbia River Treaty

Chelan PUD released a statement praising the passing of the federal Infrastructure bill, specifically pointing out the provisions for modernizing the Columbia River Treaty.

GM Steve Wright released a statement that said in part, "We applaud Sen. Cantwell for sponsoring and moving legislation that makes Columbia River Treaty modernization a higher priority.  Action is needed now to fix what the Treaty framers knew would be planned obsolescene.  Without successful renegotiation Pacific Northwest ratepayers will be on the hook for substantial overpayments to Canada.  Change could unleash opportunities for greater hydropower production coordination that can support aggressive climate change objectives for both countries."

The legislation allotted approximately $1 billion to upgrade transmission capacity between Canada and the U.S., contingent on the establishment of a more equitable entitlement payment to British Columbia.