WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation applauded Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s (D-Ore.) support of a new jobs and infrastructure framework, recently proposed by U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho). Blumenauer’s backing of the plan brings added momentum to a critical regional discussion on how to best support Northwest jobs, invest in clean energy and local economies and recover endangered salmon and steelhead.

“We know that restoring the Columbia River Basin is an idea whose time has arrived when one of the most conservative members of Congress joins forces with one of the most progressive to revitalize the regional economy and save wild salmon,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We applaud Rep. Blumenauer for teaming up with Rep. Simpson to forge a comprehensive, bipartisan solution and we urge Congress and the Biden administration to prioritize this critical investment for Northwest communities.”

"Congressman Blumenauer has been a long-time advocate for meaningful salmon recovery,” said Chris Hager, executive director, Association of Northwest Steelheaders. “We are excited to see him join Rep. Simpson and show momentum for a truly bipartisan effort that will provide thousands of jobs, protect our multi-billion-dollar fishing economy, and ensure future Oregonians are able to fish for salmon. We hope other regional delegates step forward to move this historic opportunity forward." 

Rep. Simpson’s framework, unveiled in February, calls for investments in fish-friendly power generation projects and commodity transport infrastructure to replace the lower four Snake River dams. The plan would launch the largest river and salmon restoration effort in history, support 20,000 local jobs and invest in Tribal communities. Healthy populations of wild salmon and steelhead are essential for Northwest Tribes, local economies, and the region’s way of life.