The Pacific Center in downtown Portland. It holds the office of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council is an interstate group with members from Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho. Each state has two governor-appointed representatives. As directed by the NW Power Act (1980), the council has two major planning functions: develop a fish and wildlife program to protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife populations affected by the development of the federal Columbia River hydropower system; and develop a 20-year regional power plan. The council updates these plans on a roughly five-year rotation. Through public participation, the council strives to ensure an economic and reliable energy system while enhancing fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin. In addition to the eight council members, there is a staff of approximately 40, located in offices spread throughout the four states.
Oregon Council Members: Ginny Burdick, Louie Pitt, Jr.
Oregon Staff Contacts: Leann Bleakney, energy policy analyst