Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

08/26/2026

PNWA is disappointed by the contradiction between Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s proclamation recognizing August 24 as Oregon Hydropower Day and the state’s continued support for efforts that could lead to removal of the four Lower Snake River dams.

The Lower Snake River dams are an important part of the Northwest’s federal hydropower system, providing renewable energy, navigation and other regional benefits while incorporating fish passage for migrating salmon and steelhead.

If we recognize the value of hydropower, we should also work to preserve and improve the infrastructure that provides it. PNWA supports moving beyond litigation and pursuing collaborative, science based solutions that protect salmon while maintaining a reliable hydropower and navigation system.

Read more from Capital Press: https://capitalpress.com/2026/08/24/stakeholders-ask-kotek-to-withdraw-from-dam-litigation/

08/25/2026

Our vibrant communities were built on the power of our waterways. This federal system of dams and locks is part of a vital system of working waterways. The Columbia-Snake River System alone creates jobs for 15% of our region’s workforce and supplies a majority of the clean energy that powers our economy.

Learn more at: https://www.rivervalues.com/

08/24/2026

IPNG applauds Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for proclaiming August 24 as Oregon Hydropower Day and recognizing the important benefits hydropower provides to Oregonians, including clean, affordable energy, irrigation, flood control, and navigation.

At the same time, this recognition stands in contrast to Oregon’s continued involvement in litigation and policy efforts that could diminish the benefits of the federal hydropower system, including efforts connected to removal of the four Lower Snake River dams. These dams generate renewable hydropower while also incorporating extensive fish passage systems designed to support migrating salmon and steelhead.

IPNG believes healthy salmon populations and a reliable hydropower and navigation system can coexist. We encourage Oregon to move beyond litigation and work collaboratively toward science based solutions that support salmon recovery, environmental stewardship, strong communities, and the regional economy.

Read the full statement: https://www.pnwa.net/news/pnwa-press-releases/

08/20/2026

The Columbia and Snake Rivers are a vital source of sustenance for millions of families at home and abroad. The water behind Ice Harbor dam on the Snake River irrigates enough apples to feed 18 million people, sweet corn to feed 19 million people and potatoes to feed 6.4 million people!
Learn more at: https://www.rivervalues.com/

08/13/2026

Hydropower is the Northwest’s clean energy foundation. The hydroelectric dams on the Columbia Snake River System provide 90% of our renewable energy in the Northwest, ensuring a stable power supply in the fight against climate change.
Learn more at: https://www.rivervalues.com/

08/07/2026

This video offers an interesting perspective on Chinook salmon passage and river operations during the 2026 migration season. It examines observations related to fish passage at lower Snake River dams and raises questions about the potential effects of the extended spill order implemented earlier this year.

We are sharing it as one contribution to the broader discussion surrounding salmon recovery, dam operations, and the future of the Columbia-Snake River system.

LEARN MORE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzoQWn8Ta5E

08/06/2026

We can have healthy rivers AND a healthy economy. Together, we can balance the many benefits we enjoy from our working waterways with the recovery of salmon species across the Columbia River basin and throughout the Northwest.
Learn more at: https://www.rivervalues.com/

08/05/2026

08/04/2026

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard!
Founded on August 4, 1790, the Coast Guard is one of America's six armed forces. From enforcing trade laws and preventing smuggling to aiding mariners in distress, their mission has expanded over the years. In 1915, they became the Coast Guard we know today, dedicated to maritime safety and law enforcement.
Thank you for protecting our waterways and coastlines! 🇺🇸a