144 



Question: Can the problems raised by these lawsuits be solved 

 administratively'' 



Answer Bonneville will explore whether some arrangement can be 

 identified which would enable the non-Federal project owners to finance the $180 

 million necessary for the capacity "buy down," notwithstanding the threat of 

 Endangered Species Act and other potential litigation 



Question: Would it be helpful for Congress to direct implementation of the 

 Treaty, and negotiation of these related contracts and plans, notwithstanding the 

 statutes relied upon in these lawsuits'' 



Answer Senator Hatfield, we believe it is premature for Congress to 

 consider legislative mechanisms for implementation of the Treaty to insure that 

 both Treaty and environmental responsibilities are satisfied 



