126 



values; for example, the need for economic and reliable 

 electric service may conflict with the need for environmental 

 stewardship. However, wisely crafted value-based policies can 

 minimize these conflicts. BPA will be able to sustain broad 

 support in the future if BPA does not favor the interests of 

 one regional customer group over those of another and if BPA 

 balances the responsibilities it has to its customers with 

 those it has to fish and wildlife and the environment. 



Because BPA has a region-wide presence and 

 responsibilities to a broad range of constituencies, BPA 

 should act as a catalyst to promote cooperation and teamwork. 

 BPA's role is most effective as a catalyst rather than as a 

 unilateral actor. This requires BPA to take a view which 

 considers the impact of its actions and policies on the entire 

 region. 



One of the objectives of the Northwest Power Act is the 

 protection, mitigation and enhancement of fish and wildlife 

 resources while providing the Pacific Northwest with an 

 adequate, efficient, economical and reliable power supply. 

 BPA should work with the Northwest Power Planning Council, 

 utilities, fish and wildlife agencies and others to meet this 

 objective. 

 B. BPA Should Not Seek to Be a "Competitor" 



BPA is more than a utility. First and foremost, BPA is a 

 federal governmental agency. For that reason. Congress and 

 the courts have entrusted it with authority and discretion not 



-4- 



