As we ring in the new year, interim provisions to modernize the Columbia River Treaty between the United States (U.S.) and Canada remain under review. The purpose of the original treaty, which began implementation in 1964, was to optimize operation of the Columbia River to achieve flood control and hydropower benefits desired by both countries.
In July 2024, a non-binding Agreement in Principle (AIP) was reached two months before certain provisions of the treaty related to flood control were set to expire. Although the AIP has not been officially ratified, the U.S. and Canada have operated in good faith under the interim measures, which are expected to continue until both countries adopt the modernized treaty.
