Even if one or both agencies recommend breaching, the question would be far from settled. Called the Endangered Species Committee, the panel of top administration officials has authority under the Endangered Species Act to rule that a species should not be saved because the economic price would be too high. In effect, this panel decides the fate of select species. If the corps ultimately decides to support breaching, no action could be taken unless first approved by Congress. And with most Northwest members of Congress publicly against the idea, it would take a formidable coalition of legislators to overcome opposition.
Inaction proves frustrating Continued inaction has left longtime observers frustrated.
Jim Martin, top fisheries official at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife until he retired late last year, said Snake River salmon will be saved only if the federal government recommends breaching. Eric Bloch, one of Oregon's two appointees to the Northwest Power Planning Council, said the federal government failed the region by not making its recommendation on dams last year. There was a promise made in '95 that a decision would be made in 1999. And that's not been done. I think the public has a right to be concerned.