1941
Two decades before 1961
The two countries carry out negotiations for what a potential Treaty might entail.
Treaty Timeline
1961
1961: The Treaty is signed and ratified
The Columbia River Treaty calls for the two countries to implement the Treaty
1964
1964: The 60-year agreement is implemented
It guarantees flood control protection through 2024 and includes power provisions to share the downstream power benefits.
2009
2009-2013
Review of the Treaty- The U.S. Entity overseeing the Treaty, analyzes the Treaty
2012
2012: Power Group is established
Regional utilities and other organizations and associations join to create the Power Group to advocate for a fair and equitable outcome of a modernized Columbia River Treaty.
2013
2013: The U.S. Entity completes the Regional Recommendation
The recommendation concerning the future of the Columbia River Treaty is forwarded to the U.S. Department of State.
2014
2014: Opportunity to provide 10 years’ notice
The Treaty has no specific end date, but either country can terminate most of the provisions of the Treaty with at least 10 years’ written notice.
2018
2018-2023
18 rounds of negotiations on a modernized Treaty held between the two countries.
2021
2021: IIJA includes support for transmission and recalculated Treaty
A provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 aims to expand transmission to enhance the bilateral transfer of renewable electric generation between the two countries, contingent on the CE value calculation being at least equal to the actual power value to the U.S.
2024
2024: An Agreement in Principle to Modernize the Treaty is announced
The U.S. and Canada agree on the key elements for a modernized Treaty regime.
2024
2024 and beyond
Additional details are still needed, including a timeline for when the full text of the agreement in principle will be available, what elements will require advice and consent from the Senate and what timeline that will entail, and when additional details of the tribal provisions be available, and others.