Northwest RiverPartners
Pulling similar interests together or working with already existing coalitions, the Government Affairs practice expertly leverages the strength of individual parties by combining them into a coalition to achieve a regulatory and legislative voice stronger than the sum of its parts.
As an example, our client Northwest RiverPartners, comprised of electric utilities, industries, ports, barge operators, communities, agricultural interests and others, works with federal agencies on issues concerning the impact of Endangered Species Act listings on the multiple uses of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Examined one at a time, a casual observer would see independent interests like commercial and recreational fishing, power generation, irrigation water, barge transportation and boater recreation, among others. But what they all have in common is a shared use of the Columbia-Snake River system, the management of which crosses multiple department and agency jurisdiction in the federal government.
The varied interests under the Northwest RiverPartners umbrella believe that all uses of the Columbia-Snake River system can be maintained during recovery of listed fish stocks. They have engaged Ball Janik LLP to distill and communicate that message to the federal government in order to shape river management in a way that preserves all uses of the river and the accompanying economic benefits. It is an ongoing effort, requiring continued cooperation and communication among the parties and the federal government. Working closely with the coalition, Ball Janik ensures professional plan execution and continuity of messaging.
