Fish & wildlife Three Sovereigns

Statement of intention

Over the next few years, decisions will be made that will influence the region's economy, the Columbia River Basin, and the Basin's resources for many years to come. The Governors intend to play an active role in these decisions, including in the area of river governance. The Governors are convinced that the Columbia River can be managed in a more integrated, responsive and accountable way. The Three Sovereigns process is working toward this objective, and the Governors are supporting that work. At the same time, the Governors are convinced that they must work actively to bring the region into the governance debate to ensure that the region comes together on a common position and that these matters not be determined solely at the national level. A common, regional approach to river governance is vital, and the Governors are committed to finding it.

ACCORDINGLY, the Governors are committed to take the following steps:

1. The Three Sovereigns process has generated useful information and analysis, and is providing a valuable demonstration of collaboration among the states, tribes and federal agencies. The Governors are committed to carry on with that process in good faith. The Governors will deliberate with the tribes and federal agencies after the close of the public comment period to determine the future course of this effort. At this time, the Governors are still of a mind that the region would benefit from the establishment of an inclusive forum to recommend consensus positions for the region on Columbia River issues.

2. Regardless of the outcome of the Three Sovereigns process, the Governors believe that eventually a river governance framework may need to be legislated by the U.S. Congress and approved by state legislatures, a process that could take several years. Without taking anything away from their commitment to working further with federal and tribal parties, the Governors have chosen to initiate a complementary inquiry into whether, over the long term, sound governance of the Columbia River system can best be achieved through a new statutory structure. This inquiry will consider a variety of governance structures that could be put into place through legislation.

3. To initiate this work, the Governors will direct their staffs, working with the staff of the Power Planning Council, to prepare legislative options for discussion. Each Governor will appoint one of his staff as the contact for this work. The staffs will be directed to prepare a series of draft options by July 1.

4. The Governors will designate a group of experienced regional experts to provide advice, counsel, and recommendations on governance concepts that could be developed into legislative proposals. The Governors intend to conduct government-to-government consultations with other sovereigns in the region, and also to consult with legislative leaders, stakeholders, and members of the public before advancing a legislative proposal on river governance.

5. This fall, the Governors will meet to consider the major elements of a Northwest chapter for energy restructuring legislation, a feature of which may be river governance. With respect to the governance feature, the Governors will consider legislative proposals for river governance and the product of the Three Sovereigns process.

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