Pocket Guide: Council organization

The Council was initiated by Congress through enactment of the 1980 Northwest Power Act (Public Law 96-501), and approved by a vote of the legislatures of all four states. The governor of each state appoints two members to serve on the Council.
The Council is funded by wholesale power revenues from the Bonneville Power Administration, the federal agency that markets the electricity generated at federal dams on the Columbia River.
The plans the Council develops and approves are implemented by numerous agencies, including: The Bonneville Power Administration; The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; The Bureau of Reclamation; and The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
State, tribal and local governments often work closely with the Council as it develops its power and fish and wildlife plans, and these entities also implement measures in those plans. The power and fish and wildlife programs are updated at least every five years.