Non-Indian water users and the power industry in the Pacific Northwest are challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's decision to hold government-to-government consultation meetings with five tribal nations.

FERC says it is bound to meet with the tribes to discuss relicensing of four federal dams on the Snake River. The tribes are stakeholders because they have treaty rights to fish in the river. But they are also seeking to take over the licenses.

Critics say the closed meetings violate federal law. Idaho Power filed a formal request with FERC to keep any talks open to the public.

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Policy may slow dam relicensing (The Idaho Statesman 1/29)