Posted by The Oregonian June 27, 2007

WASHINGTON - Rep. Darlene Hooley, D-Ore., is leading the call for a congressional investigation into Vice President Dick Cheney's involvement in the Klamath Basin water dispute in 2001.

A story in The Washington Post Wednesday detailed Cheney's management of the situation as an example of his efforts "to undercut long-standing environmental regulations for the benefit of business." The story reported that he called mid-level Interior officials in an effort to divert the water to farmers at the expense of the salmon run.

Hooley and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., on Wednesday evening circulated a letter among their House colleagues asking Rep. Nick Rahall, chairman of the House Resources Committee, to investigate. Thirty-four of their colleagues signed the letter, including Oregon Democrats Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio and David Wu.

"His political interference resulted in a 10-year water plan for the Klamath River that has been unanimously ruled 'arbitrary and capricious and in violation of the Endangered Species Act,' by three courts," the letter said. "Moreover, his action resulted in the largest adult salmon kill in the history of the West. The ramifications of that salmon kill are still being felt today as returns to the Klamath River are so low that commercial, sport and tribal fishing seasons have been curtailed for the past three years."

The members asked for oversight hearings on Cheney's involvement.

"His blatant disregard for law cannot be ignored," they wrote.

The White House press office could not be reached Wednesday night when the letter was released.

-- Jeff Kosseff