Power, Fish and the Greenhouse on the Columbia River
By Shepard C. Buchanan
ABSTRACT
As the west's electric power needs grow while salmon runs continue to decline, conflicts between the power cummunity and the environmental community appear inevitable. One source of conflict is the continued existence of at least four major dams on the Snake River as well as the continued operation of all dams on the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Some focus their concern on the hundreds of millions of dollars in increased costs faced by power consumers. Others focus on the perhaps incalculable costs of species becoming extinct. A second source of conflict lies in the debate about what new power resources should be developed to replace lost hydropower and to meet growing loads. An additional environmental conflict emerges here when the likelihood of increased emissions of greenhouse gases is considered. This paper illustrates some of the potential costs and benefits inherent in the tradeoffs between market efficiency and overall social welfare. Even the high level view presented here demonstrates the level of complexity in the decisions the Pacific Northwest will be making during the coming decade.
 View Endangered Species: Pacific Salmon Species
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