Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act

The Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act, enacted in 1980, established a framework for managing and protecting the region’s electric power resources. It created the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to balance electricity needs with environmental health, promote energy efficiency, and conserve fish and wildlife impacted by hydropower. The Act aims to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable power supply for the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing collaboration among states, utilities, and stakeholders to plan for future demands and protect regional natural resources.