In 2006, the Washington legislature adopted a new water management program for the Columbia River, proposing to “aggressively pursue” new dams and reservoirs.  In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is studying new dams in the Yakima and mid-Columbia basin (for background, see Dam Program). 

CELP opposes these projects as both economically wasteful and environmentally unsound.   Water users throughout eastern Washington have barely touched the potential for improved water efficiency.   New water subsidies for corporate agriculture are not the solution to climate change issues.

The Department of Ecology’s latest study, issued on June 8, 2007, proposes to build a dam and flood Lower Crab Creek, a watershed that supports nearly 20,000 acres of state and federal wildlife areas, along with 5,000 acres of agriculture.  CELP invites you to get involved with us in opposing this project.  For more information, click here.

CELP also works to resolve transboundary water conflicts, including issues concerning water between Canada and the United States, Washington and its neighboring states of Idaho and Oregon, and between states and tribes.