Transcript. This oral history interview with Peter Johnson was conducted by Michael O’Rourke at the Bonneville Power Administration’s offices, and at the Oregon Historical Society, in Portland, Oregon, and at Johnson's home in McCall, Idaho, from March 1 to September 9, 2002. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in three sessions; Tape 2 is missing, but its content is available in a transcript.

Originally recorded on Tapes 1 and 2; tape 2 is missing. In the first interview session, conducted at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) offices in Portland on March 1, 2002, Johnson discusses his family background and early life in Boise, Idaho, including his education and his recreational activities. He briefly talks about his experiences at Dartmouth College, about his marriage to Carolyn Ann Carley, and about his service in the U.S. Air Force. He speaks about his career in construction, first with the MacGregor Triangle Company from 1957 to 1968, and with the Trus Joist Company from 1968 to 1979. He describes some of the construction jobs he worked on, including for the Bonneville Power Administration and for the University of Idaho. He shares his reasons for seeking a job in government. He also discusses his involvement in the Republican Party and serving on the transition team for President Ronald Reagan.

In the second interview session, conducted at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland on May 6, 2002, Johnson discusses his service as administrator of the BPA. He talks about the people he worked with at the BPA, and speaks at length about his handling of the failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System’s plan to build nuclear power plants. He talks about his early days as BPA administrator, particularly about developing a mission statement and a strategic plan, and about stabilizing BPA’s finances. He then discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council and focuses on his working relationship with NWPPC chair Dan Evans.

In the third and final interview session, conducted at Johnson’s home in McCall, Idaho, on September 9, 2002, Johnson speaks further about the failure of the WPPSS nuclear power plants. He then speaks further about working with the NWPPC; discusses working with individual council members, particularly Dan Evans, Kai Lee, and Bob Saxvik; and talks about BPA lawyer Mike Katz. He talks about his relationship with members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest, particularly Mark Hatfield and James McClure. He also talks about his successor at BPA, Randy Hardy, as well as his predecessor, Sterling Monroe; about members of his staff; and about his relationship with the CEOs of other electric utilities, particularly Don Frisbee of PacifiCorp. He also talks about the construction of additional power houses at the Bonneville Dam. He shares his reasons for leaving the BPA in 1986, talks about his retirement activities, and discusses his service on various governmental committees regarding nuclear power. He closes the interview by talking about the work of the NWPPC after his retirement, particularly the political conflicts that arose around the council in the 1990s, and about deregulation of electric utilities.

Tape 7, Side 2. In the third and final interview session, conducted at Johnson's home in McCall, Idaho, on September 9, 2002, Johnson speaks further about the failure of the WPPSS nuclear power plants. He then speaks further about working with the NWPPC; discusses working with individual council members, particularly Dan Evans, Kai Lee, and Bob Saxvik; and talks about BPA lawyer Mike Katz. He talks about his relationship with members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest, particularly Mark Hatfield and James McClure. He also talks about his successor at BPA, Randy Hardy, as well as his predecessor, Sterling Monroe; about members of his staff; and about his relationship with the CEOs of other electric utilities, particularly Don Frisbee of PacifiCorp. He also talks about the construction of additional powerhouses at the Bonneville Dam. He shares his reasons for leaving the BPA in 1986, talks about his retirement activities, and discusses his service on various governmental committees regarding nuclear power. He closes the interview by talking about the work of the NWPPC after his retirement, particularly the political conflicts that arose around the council in the 1990s, and about deregulation of electric utilities.

Tape 7, Side 1. In the third and final interview session, conducted at Johnson's home in McCall, Idaho, on September 9, 2002, Johnson speaks further about the failure of the WPPSS nuclear power plants. He then speaks further about working with the NWPPC; discusses working with individual council members, particularly Dan Evans, Kai Lee, and Bob Saxvik; and talks about BPA lawyer Mike Katz. He talks about his relationship with members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest, particularly Mark Hatfield and James McClure. He also talks about his successor at BPA, Randy Hardy, as well as his predecessor, Sterling Monroe; about members of his staff; and about his relationship with the CEOs of other electric utilities, particularly Don Frisbee of PacifiCorp. He also talks about the construction of additional powerhouses at the Bonneville Dam. He shares his reasons for leaving the BPA in 1986, talks about his retirement activities, and discusses his service on various governmental committees regarding nuclear power. He closes the interview by talking about the work of the NWPPC after his retirement, particularly the political conflicts that arose around the council in the 1990s, and about deregulation of electric utilities.

Tape 6, Side 2. In the third and final interview session, conducted at Johnson's home in McCall, Idaho, on September 9, 2002, Johnson speaks further about the failure of the WPPSS nuclear power plants. He then speaks further about working with the NWPPC; discusses working with individual council members, particularly Dan Evans, Kai Lee, and Bob Saxvik; and talks about BPA lawyer Mike Katz. He talks about his relationship with members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest, particularly Mark Hatfield and James McClure. He also talks about his successor at BPA, Randy Hardy, as well as his predecessor, Sterling Monroe; about members of his staff; and about his relationship with the CEOs of other electric utilities, particularly Don Frisbee of PacifiCorp. He also talks about the construction of additional powerhouses at the Bonneville Dam. He shares his reasons for leaving the BPA in 1986, talks about his retirement activities, and discusses his service on various governmental committees regarding nuclear power. He closes the interview by talking about the work of the NWPPC after his retirement, particularly the political conflicts that arose around the council in the 1990s, and about deregulation of electric utilities.

Tape 6, Side 1. In the third and final interview session, conducted at Johnson's home in McCall, Idaho, on September 9, 2002, Johnson speaks further about the failure of the WPPSS nuclear power plants. He then speaks further about working with the NWPPC; discusses working with individual council members, particularly Dan Evans, Kai Lee, and Bob Saxvik; and talks about BPA lawyer Mike Katz. He talks about his relationship with members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest, particularly Mark Hatfield and James McClure. He also talks about his successor at BPA, Randy Hardy, as well as his predecessor, Sterling Monroe; about members of his staff; and about his relationship with the CEOs of other electric utilities, particularly Don Frisbee of PacifiCorp. He also talks about the construction of additional powerhouses at the Bonneville Dam. He shares his reasons for leaving the BPA in 1986, talks about his retirement activities, and discusses his service on various governmental committees regarding nuclear power. He closes the interview by talking about the work of the NWPPC after his retirement, particularly the political conflicts that arose around the council in the 1990s, and about deregulation of electric utilities.

Tape 5, Side 1. In the third and final interview session, conducted at Johnson's home in McCall, Idaho, on September 9, 2002, Johnson speaks further about the failure of the WPPSS nuclear power plants. He then speaks further about working with the NWPPC; discusses working with individual council members, particularly Dan Evans, Kai Lee, and Bob Saxvik; and talks about BPA lawyer Mike Katz. He talks about his relationship with members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest, particularly Mark Hatfield and James McClure. He also talks about his successor at BPA, Randy Hardy, as well as his predecessor, Sterling Monroe; about members of his staff; and about his relationship with the CEOs of other electric utilities, particularly Don Frisbee of PacifiCorp. He also talks about the construction of additional powerhouses at the Bonneville Dam. He shares his reasons for leaving the BPA in 1986, talks about his retirement activities, and discusses his service on various governmental committees regarding nuclear power. He closes the interview by talking about the work of the NWPPC after his retirement, particularly the political conflicts that arose around the council in the 1990s, and about deregulation of electric utilities.

Tape 4, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland on May 6, 2002, Johnson discusses his service as administrator of the BPA. He talks about the people he worked with at the BPA, and speaks at length about his handling of the failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System's plan to build nuclear power plants. He talks about his early days as BPA administrator, particularly about developing a mission statement and a strategic plan, and about stabilizing BPA's finances. He then discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council and focuses on his working relationship with NWPPC chair Dan Evans.

Tape 4, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland on May 6, 2002, Johnson discusses his service as administrator of the BPA. He talks about the people he worked with at the BPA, and speaks at length about his handling of the failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System's plan to build nuclear power plants. He talks about his early days as BPA administrator, particularly about developing a mission statement and a strategic plan, and about stabilizing BPA's finances. He then discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council and focuses on his working relationship with NWPPC chair Dan Evans.

Tape 3, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland on May 6, 2002, Johnson discusses his service as administrator of the BPA. He talks about the people he worked with at the BPA, and speaks at length about his handling of the failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System's plan to build nuclear power plants. He talks about his early days as BPA administrator, particularly about developing a mission statement and a strategic plan, and about stabilizing BPA's finances. He then discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council and focuses on his working relationship with NWPPC chair Dan Evans.

Tape 3, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland on May 6, 2002, Johnson discusses his service as administrator of the BPA. He talks about the people he worked with at the BPA, and speaks at length about his handling of the failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System's plan to build nuclear power plants. He talks about his early days as BPA administrator, particularly about developing a mission statement and a strategic plan, and about stabilizing BPA's finances. He then discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council and focuses on his working relationship with NWPPC chair Dan Evans.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) offices in Portland on March 1, 2002, Johnson discusses his family background and early life in Boise, Idaho, including his education and his recreational activities. He briefly talks about his experiences at Dartmouth College, about his marriage to Carolyn Ann Carley, and about his service in the U.S. Air Force. He speaks about his career in construction, first with the MacGregor Triangle Company from 1957 to 1968, and with the Trus Joist Company from 1968 to 1979. He describes some of the construction jobs he worked on, including for the Bonneville Power Administration and for the University of Idaho. He shares his reasons for seeking a job in government. He also discusses his involvement in the Republican Party and serving on the transition team for President Ronald Reagan.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) offices in Portland on March 1, 2002, Johnson discusses his family background and early life in Boise, Idaho, including his education and his recreational activities. He briefly talks about his experiences at Dartmouth College, about his marriage to Carolyn Ann Carley, and about his service in the U.S. Air Force. He speaks about his career in construction, first with the MacGregor Triangle Company from 1957 to 1968, and with the Trus Joist Company from 1968 to 1979. He describes some of the construction jobs he worked on, including for the Bonneville Power Administration and for the University of Idaho. He shares his reasons for seeking a job in government. He also discusses his involvement in the Republican Party and serving on the transition team for President Ronald Reagan.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Tim Wapato was conducted by Michael O’Rourke in Portland, Oregon, from August 4 to November 16, 2002. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in three sessions. Session 2 begins partway through Tape 2, Side 1.

Tape 1, Side 1, to partway through Tape 2, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on August 4, 2002, Wapato discusses his family background and early life in the Methow Valley, Washington, including his father’s work as an Evangelical minister and his high school experiences. He briefly talks about his college experiences, about working as a smokejumper, and about his U.S. Army service. He then speaks about his 21-year career in the Los Angeles Police Department. He talks about serving as a commissioner on the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1979 to 1980, and discusses setting up a fishery enforcement unit, and case law regarding Native American fishing rights.

Partway through Tape 2, Side 1, through the end of Tape 3, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on August 5, 2002, Wapato discusses his service as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1980 to 1989. He talks about working with the directors of the Oregon and Washington fishery departments, discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council on the fish and wildlife plan and on developing the water budget, and speaks at length about his work negotiating the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty. He also talks about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on November 16, 2002, Wapato speaks further about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He then continues to discuss serving as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and to talk about working with the NWPPC. He speaks at length about his working relationship with several NWPPC members, particularly Dan Evans and Kai Lee. He also talks about working with the Bonneville Power Administration, about the commission’s lawyer, John Platt, and about his reasons for leaving the commission. He closes the interview by briefly discussing his service as commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and as director of the Indian Gaming Association.

Tape 5, Side 2. In the third and final interview session, conducted on November 16, 2002, Wapato speaks further about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He then continues to discuss serving as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and to talk about working with the NWPPC. He speaks at length about his working relationship with several NWPPC members, particularly Dan Evans and Kai Lee. He also talks about working with the Bonneville Power Administration, about the commission's lawyer, John Platt, and about his reasons for leaving the commission. He closes the interview by briefly discussing his service as commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and as director of the Indian Gaming Association.

Tape 5, Side 1. In the third and final interview session, conducted on November 16, 2002, Wapato speaks further about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He then continues to discuss serving as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and to talk about working with the NWPPC. He speaks at length about his working relationship with several NWPPC members, particularly Dan Evans and Kai Lee. He also talks about working with the Bonneville Power Administration, about the commission's lawyer, John Platt, and about his reasons for leaving the commission. He closes the interview by briefly discussing his service as commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and as director of the Indian Gaming Association.

Tape 4, Side 2. In the third and final interview session, conducted on November 16, 2002, Wapato speaks further about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He then continues to discuss serving as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and to talk about working with the NWPPC. He speaks at length about his working relationship with several NWPPC members, particularly Dan Evans and Kai Lee. He also talks about working with the Bonneville Power Administration, about the commission's lawyer, John Platt, and about his reasons for leaving the commission. He closes the interview by briefly discussing his service as commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and as director of the Indian Gaming Association.

Tape 4, Side 1. In the third and final interview session, conducted on November 16, 2002, Wapato speaks further about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He then continues to discuss serving as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and to talk about working with the NWPPC. He speaks at length about his working relationship with several NWPPC members, particularly Dan Evans and Kai Lee. He also talks about working with the Bonneville Power Administration, about the commission's lawyer, John Platt, and about his reasons for leaving the commission. He closes the interview by briefly discussing his service as commissioner for the Administration for Native Americans and as director of the Indian Gaming Association.

Tape 3, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on August 5, 2002, Wapato discusses his service as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1980 to 1989. He talks about working with the directors of the Oregon and Washington fishery departments, discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council on the fish and wildlife plan and on developing the water budget, and speaks at length about his work negotiating the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty. He also talks about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act.

Tape 3, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on August 5, 2002, Wapato discusses his service as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1980 to 1989. He talks about working with the directors of the Oregon and Washington fishery departments, discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council on the fish and wildlife plan and on developing the water budget, and speaks at length about his work negotiating the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty. He also talks about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act.

Tape 2, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on August 5, 2002, Wapato discusses his service as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1980 to 1989. He talks about working with the directors of the Oregon and Washington fishery departments, discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council on the fish and wildlife plan and on developing the water budget, and speaks at length about his work negotiating the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty. He also talks about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act.

Tape 2, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on August 4, 2002, Wapato discusses his family background and early life in the Methow Valley, Washington, including his father's work as an Evangelical minister and his high school experiences. He briefly talks about his college experiences, about working as a smokejumper, and about his U.S. Army service. He then speaks about his 21-year career in the Los Angeles Police Department. He talks about serving as a commissioner on the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1979 to 1980, and discusses setting up a fishery enforcement unit, and case law regarding Native American fishing rights.

In the second interview session, conducted on August 5, 2002, Wapato discusses his service as executive director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1980 to 1989. He talks about working with the directors of the Oregon and Washington fishery departments, discusses working with the Northwest Power Planning Council on the fish and wildlife plan and on developing the water budget, and speaks at length about his work negotiating the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty. He also talks about lobbying Congress to include fishery protections in the 1980 Northwest Power Act.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on August 4, 2002, Wapato discusses his family background and early life in the Methow Valley, Washington, including his father's work as an Evangelical minister and his high school experiences. He briefly talks about his college experiences, about working as a smokejumper, and about his U.S. Army service. He then speaks about his 21-year career in the Los Angeles Police Department. He talks about serving as a commissioner on the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1979 to 1980, and discusses setting up a fishery enforcement unit, and case law regarding Native American fishing rights.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on August 4, 2002, Wapato discusses his family background and early life in the Methow Valley, Washington, including his father's work as an Evangelical minister and his high school experiences. He briefly talks about his college experiences, about working as a smokejumper, and about his U.S. Army service. He then speaks about his 21-year career in the Los Angeles Police Department. He talks about serving as a commissioner on the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission from 1979 to 1980, and discusses setting up a fishery enforcement unit, and case law regarding Native American fishing rights.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Randy W. Hardy was conducted by Michael O’Rourke from June 11 to September 10, 2002. The interview was conducted as part of the Northwest Power Planning Council Oral History Project, which documented the history and purpose of the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted in Portland, Oregon, on June 11, 2002, Hardy discusses his family background and early life in a military family. He speaks at length about his career in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and shares his opinion about the war. He talks about his graduate studies in public affairs at the University of Washington, about his marriage to Jane Van Leuven, and about his reasons for leaving the Navy. He discusses his work with the Federal Energy Administration in the late 1970s.

In the second interview session, conducted in Spokane, Washington, on September 10, 2002, Hardy continues to discuss his work with the Federal Energy Administration in the late 1970s, and talks about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He speaks at length about the development and failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System, talks about the management of the Bonneville Power Administration in the 1980s, and about the relationship between the NWPPC and the BPA. He then speaks at length about his work as executive director of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee. He also talks about serving as superintendent of Seattle City Light, shares his thoughts about the NWPPC’s model conservation standards, and speaks at length about his service as CEO of the BPA in the 1990s. He also discusses the effects of the deregulation of electric utilities, talks about how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the work of the NWPPC, and speculates about the future of energy utilities in the Pacific Northwest. He closes the interview by talking about his activities since leaving the BPA in 1997.

Tape 6, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted in Spokane, Washington, on September 10, 2002, Hardy continues to discuss his work with the Federal Energy Administration in the late 1970s, and talks about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He speaks at length about the development and failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System, talks about the management of the Bonneville Power Administration in the 1980s, and about the relationship between the Northwest Power Planning Council and the BPA. He then speaks at length about his work as executive director of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee. He also talks about serving as superintendent of Seattle City Light, shares his thoughts about the NWPPC's model conservation standards, and speaks at length about his service as CEO of the BPA in the 1990s. He also discusses the effects of the deregulation of electric utilities, talks about how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the work of the NWPPC, and speculates about the future of energy utilities in the Pacific Northwest. He closes the interview by talking about his activities since leaving the BPA in 1997.

Tape 6, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted in Spokane, Washington, on September 10, 2002, Hardy continues to discuss his work with the Federal Energy Administration in the late 1970s, and talks about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He speaks at length about the development and failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System, talks about the management of the Bonneville Power Administration in the 1980s, and about the relationship between the Northwest Power Planning Council and the BPA. He then speaks at length about his work as executive director of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee. He also talks about serving as superintendent of Seattle City Light, shares his thoughts about the NWPPC's model conservation standards, and speaks at length about his service as CEO of the BPA in the 1990s. He also discusses the effects of the deregulation of electric utilities, talks about how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the work of the NWPPC, and speculates about the future of energy utilities in the Pacific Northwest. He closes the interview by talking about his activities since leaving the BPA in 1997.

Tape 5, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted in Spokane, Washington, on September 10, 2002, Hardy continues to discuss his work with the Federal Energy Administration in the late 1970s, and talks about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He speaks at length about the development and failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System, talks about the management of the Bonneville Power Administration in the 1980s, and about the relationship between the Northwest Power Planning Council and the BPA. He then speaks at length about his work as executive director of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee. He also talks about serving as superintendent of Seattle City Light, shares his thoughts about the NWPPC's model conservation standards, and speaks at length about his service as CEO of the BPA in the 1990s. He also discusses the effects of the deregulation of electric utilities, talks about how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the work of the NWPPC, and speculates about the future of energy utilities in the Pacific Northwest. He closes the interview by talking about his activities since leaving the BPA in 1997.

Tape 5, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted in Spokane, Washington, on September 10, 2002, Hardy continues to discuss his work with the Federal Energy Administration in the late 1970s, and talks about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act. He speaks at length about the development and failure of the Washington Public Power Supply System, talks about the management of the Bonneville Power Administration in the 1980s, and about the relationship between the Northwest Power Planning Council and the BPA. He then speaks at length about his work as executive director of the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee. He also talks about serving as superintendent of Seattle City Light, shares his thoughts about the NWPPC's model conservation standards, and speaks at length about his service as CEO of the BPA in the 1990s. He also discusses the effects of the deregulation of electric utilities, talks about how changing state politics in the 1990s affected the work of the NWPPC, and speculates about the future of energy utilities in the Pacific Northwest. He closes the interview by talking about his activities since leaving the BPA in 1997.