Portland, Oregon- Today’s announcement of an Agreement in Principle (AIP) from both the Biden
Administration and the Canadian government for the Columbia River Treaty is something the Power
Group has been waiting for many years.

“We welcome the news that the U.S. and Canada have reached an agreement, but it will be critical for
us to understand all the details that have been negotiated between the two countries,” said Scott Simms, Co-Chair of the Columbia River Treaty Power Group and CEO & Executive Director of the Public Power Council.

While the progress is positive, it will be important for the technical experts managing and operating the
Columbia River System to have time to review the details associated with the framework provided in the AIP.

Simms added, “The ‘devil is in the details’ cliché is certainly appropriate for this transboundary issue.”
Seeing a modernized Treaty has been the focus of the Power Group for more than a decade and a
modernized Treaty is even more important as the Biden Administration and the region look to meet
significant clean energy requirements and utility customers’ growing demand for electricity.
“As utilities in our region collectively work together to meet our nation’s clean energy goals while also
meeting the increased demand for electricity, progress on Treaty negotiations is long-awaited and
welcomed news,” said Chris Robinson, Co-chair of the Power Group and Tacoma Power General
Manager. “We appreciate the dedication and support of our Congressional Delegation throughout these many years.”

“We appreciate the policy efforts along the way that have contributed to the recent progress in
negotiations. Including Senator Cantwell’s leadership for Congress to include a provision in the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 aimed at expanding transmission to enhance the
bilateral transfer of renewable electric generation between the two countries,” said Robinson.

The Columbia River Treaty Power Group is advocating for a fair and equitable outcome of a modernized
Columbia River Treaty on behalf of electric ratepayers throughout the Northwest. Our members
organizations and associations represent electric customers in nearly every corner of the Northwest.
Learn more about each member by visiting their website linked below. Learn more about the Columbia
River Treaty Power Group by visiting www.crtpowergroup.org or follow us on LinkedIn.