http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=591Vice President Cheney Invited to Testify on Klamath Salmon Kill
July 17th, 2007 by Jesse Lee
From the Natural Resources Committee:
Cheney Invited to Testify on Klamath Salmon Kill
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, today confirmed that Vice President Dick Cheney, a former Member of the Committee, has been invited to testify at a July 31 oversight hearing on his apparent role in influencing scientific and policy decisions at the Department of the Interior.
As reported in The Washington Post on June 27, 2007, Cheney’s intervention in the development of a 10-year water plan for the Klamath River resulted in the 2002 die-off of an estimated 77,000 salmon near the California-Oregon border – and the subsequent collapse of the West Coast salmon-fishing industry.
The hearing will seek to examine the causes and consequences of political intervention in the decision-making process at the Interior Department, an alarming trend the Committee began exploring at a May 9 hearing that delved into the role of the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks in politicizing the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Background:
Leaving No Tracks
Jo Becker and Barton Gellman, Washington Post - June 27, 2007
First Cheney looked for a way around the law, aides said. Next he set in motion a process to challenge the science protecting the fish, according to a former Oregon congressman who lobbied for the farmers.
Because of Cheney’s intervention, the government reversed itself and let the water flow in time to save the 2002 growing season, declaring that there was no threat to the fish. What followed was the largest fish kill the West had ever seen, with tens of thousands of salmon rotting on the banks of the Klamath River.
Characteristically, Cheney left no tracks.
The released deposition of Susan Ralston, former aide to Karl Rove, also revealed that the Republican Counsel was extremely interested in Klamath River matter:
Q Were you aware that in early January 2002, Karl Rove gave a PowerPoint presentation, that he used to solicit Republjcan donors, to 50 Department of Interjor managers at a Department retreat in Shepherdstown, West Virgìnia?
A You know, I don’t remember that one specifically, but he gave those kinds of presentations. I wouldn’t doubt it.
Q Do you recall his discussing with you that he was going to gìve a presentation related to the Klamath River issue at a retreat?
A I don’t have a specific recollection. He may have, but I don’t have a specific recollection.
Q Were you aware that Mr. Rove traveled to Klamath Rjvelin late January and early February 2002 and spoke to the farmers there?
A He traveled so much. He may have. I vaguely recall that trip, but he traveled so much that I –
Q Do you recall anything about that trìp?
A No. I just have a very vague recollection of ìt.
Q Were you aware that Mr. Rove put together a Cabinet-Level task force on Klamath River issues?
A He may have, but I don’t remember.
Q You were not involved in that?
A It sort of sounds vaguely familiar, but I just don’t remember the details.
Q Were you aware that the Interior Department’s inspector general investigated the White House’s involvement in the Interìor Department’s decision about Klamath River water levels?
A I do not remember that.
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