Action Delayed On ‘Fish Cap’

Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, announced Tuesday that he’s asked for and received a one-week delay in action on a controversial cap on fish recovery spending by the Bonneville Power Administration.

Craig, stung by environmental groups’ charges that the “fish cap” legislation was being worked out in secret, said the delay will allow time for public review. Rep. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, is holding a public hearing on BPA issues on Saturday in eastern Idaho.

“Positive momentum is building to do something constructive to fix the fish recovery program in the Northwest,” Craig said in a statement. “We have all eight senators, four governors, and the Northwest Power Planning Council all working together to devise a plan of action. I see no reason to risk this consensus because of a one-week delay. In all probability, our solution will be improved with this additional public participation.”

Sen. Mark Hatfield, R-Ore., is drafting the fish-cap language. Craig said Hatfield agreed to postpone a conference committee’s consideration of the issue until late next week.

“Before Congress takes another step in this process, we plan to hear from the public on ways we can protect our fish and keep the BPA economically sound,” Craig said.