Notice of Lodging of Proposed Stipulation of Settlement and Judgment Under the System Unit Resource Protection Act

On October 17, 2024, the Department of Justice lodged a proposed Stipulation of Settlement and Judgment (“Stipulation”) with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington in the lawsuit entitled United States v. Avista Corporation, Civil Action No. 2:24-cv-358.

The United States filed this lawsuit under the System Unit Resource Protection Act and Washington State and federal trespass law. The complaint alleges that defendant Avista Corporation's unauthorized activities to stabilize, move, and replace an unpermitted power pole within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (the “Park”) in northeastern Washington caused significant injuries to cultural and natural resources at the Park. The complaint seeks recovery of damages and response costs.

Under the Stipulation, Defendant will pay $900,000 to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, for response costs and damages, with interest.

The publication of this notice opens a period for public comment on the Stipulation. Comments should be addressed to the Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and should refer to United States v. Avista Corporation, D.J. Ref. No. 90-5-1-1-12423. All comments must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after the publication date of this notice. Comments may be submitted either by email or by mail: