ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin

This memorandum directs federal agencies to prioritize restoring salmon, steelhead, and other native fish populations in the Columbia River Basin, honoring tribal treaty rights and balancing energy, agriculture, and environmental needs. It requires agency program reviews, budget assessments, and development of an intergovernmental partnership with states and tribal nations within specified timeframes.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 67617

Impact dates

  1. Agency assessments of programs and resource needs to OMB Director

  2. Agency program reviews for consistency with policy

  3. CEQ Chair and OMB Director progress report on intergovernmental partnership to President

Key directives

  • All relevant agencies directed to utilize authorities and resources to advance restoration policy
  • Agencies shall review programs affecting native fish populations for consistency with policy within 120 days
  • Agencies shall identify and initiate steps necessary to advance policy as soon as practicable after review
  • Agencies shall provide OMB Director assessment of programs and resource needs within 220 days
  • Chair of CEQ and OMB Director shall explore intergovernmental partnership mechanisms
  • Chair and Director shall submit progress report on partnership to President within 120 days

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Policy declaration establishing restoration as administration priority
  • Agencies directed to utilize authorities and resources to advance policy

Near term (90d)

  • Agency program reviews for consistency with policy (120 days)
  • Intergovernmental partnership progress report to President (120 days)

Long term

  • Agency assessments of programs and resource needs to OMB (220 days)
  • Potential development of memorandum of understanding for intergovernmental partnership
  • Implementation of steps to advance restoration policy

Risks & tensions

  • Tension between fish restoration and continued hydropower operations from federal dams
  • Potential conflict between agricultural water needs and environmental flows
  • Uncertainty about whether 'equitable treatment' language changes legal balance under Northwest Power Act
  • Implementation subject to availability of appropriations may limit actual funding
  • No enforcement mechanism for independent agencies beyond encouragement
Presidential Memorandum: Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin · Executive Orders