He said the companies lacked standing because their primary interest was in preserving low-cost, subsidized hydroelectric power from Columbia River dams. Wash. He had argued that commercial fishing was ruining his chances of enjoying salmon in the future. Unable to persuade a judge to consider his plea, Peterson is now trying to rally other groups to go after the fishing trade. In late January, Peterson sent letters to 25 environmental groups, offering them money if they file a lawsuit aimed at stopping commercial fishing on the Columbia. I would be happy to contribute money for such an action.
Many environmental groups agree that commercial fishing is hurting the salmon.
But Pampush, who received Peterson's pitch on Jan. 31, refuses to bite. Pampush says the dams are responsible for the deaths of up to 95 percent of salmon killed by non-natural causes. There is no way we'd be interested in doing their bidding in a war against commercial fishing. The Oregon Natural Resources Council also declined. The only thing I would consider is the end of the aluminum industry.