In the first interview session, conducted on September 16, 1998, Eckman discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Galesburg, Illinois, including his education. He briefly talks about studying forestry and environmental science at Southern Illinois University, about working as an environmental science educator in Washington, and about serving as chair of both the Washington Environmental Council and the Washington Chapter of the Sierra Club. He speaks at length about the passage of the 1980 Northwest Power Act, and about the Washington Public Power Supply System. He talks about working with Ed Sheets, the U.S. senators from Washington, and with administrators from Bonneville Power Administration during and after the passage of the Northwest Power Act. He discusses serving as manager of conservation resources for the Northwest Power Planning Council, now known as the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, from 1982 to the time of the interview.