The threat of invasive species continues to loom large in the Columbia River Basin, with the potential to significantly disrupt ecosystems and infrastructure. Ahead of National Invasives Species Awareness Week (February 23-27), the Council heard from a panel

A building design standard for data centers in the Pacific Northwest could reduce peak energy consumption in their electrical and mechanical systems by one-fifth, the Council heard during a panel discussion at its January meeting in Portland. Additionally, panelists discussed programs allowing data center companies whose projects agree to load-flexibility requirements and other standards to speed through grid planning processes and get interconnected sooner.

At January’s Council meeting, Power Planning Director Jennifer Light provided an update on upcoming key points for developing the Ninth Power Plan in the first part of 2026, as well as an updated needs assessment.

Long-term, consistent operations that will support juvenile migration in spring and summer and keep water temperatures cooler in the Columbia and Snake Rivers are included in a new draft of the Council’s Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program. Other top priorities include maintaining critical assets like hatcheries and fish screens and continuing to invest in habitat restoration projects.