14. Columbia River Power Struggle: Hydroelectric Billions
The 1961 Columbia River Treaty orchestrated massive dam construction along the 1,200-mile river system. Canada built three dams while the U.S. paid for flood control benefits. British Columbia received half the downstream power generated in the U.S. Renegotiation talks began in 2018. Indigenous concerns, salmon habitat, climate change, and hydropower pricing created complications. Billions in hydroelectric revenue remain at stake.
