Environmentalists have long sought protection of the 51-mile stretch of river that flows through the Hanford nuclear reservation and provides critical spawning grounds for one of the healthiest salmon runs in the region. Over the past several years, Murray has repeatedly introduced legislation to protect the Reach under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, but has faced strong opposition from area county commissioners, Hastings and the state's other senator, Republican Slade Gorton. Efforts to broker a compromise have collapsed, though there were reports Thursday of attempts to revive them. Regardless, Murray said she has had enough. Every time I turn around I hit a wall.
Administrative action is the only option.
The river is our best salesman. I hope it is sufficient, but it is not a done deal at this point. Clinton's past use of the Antiquities Act has touched off controversy and prompted fierce criticism from Western lawmakers, who have likened the actions to massive federal land grabs and questioned whether the president has the authority to take such steps. The action does not require congressional approval. Seventeen presidents have used it in the past.