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Bill to Protect the Lower Snake River Dams Gets Renewed Push by Mark Rattner NBC Right Now, January 22, 2025

"The Columbia River Hydroelectric System is
the cornerstone of the Northwest's economy."
-- Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz

WASHINGTON, D.C - Congressional leaders across the Pacific Northwest are renewing their efforts to protect the Lower Snake River Dams.

4th District Representative Dan Newhouse and Idaho Senator Jim Risch introduced the Northwest Energy Security Act to require the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the Lower Snake River dams remain operational and continue to support the region's energy needs, according to a press release by Rep. Newhouse.

"This legislation upholds the Lower Snake River dams as vital pieces of infrastructure for Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. I am proud to lead this legislation alongside Senator Risch as we strengthen the coalition to protect our region's clean and affordable sources of baseload power," Rep. Newhouse said.

The bill has the backing of other lawmakers such as Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz.

"The Columbia River Hydroelectric System is the cornerstone of the Northwest's economy. For over 80 years, this system has generated tens of thousands of megawatts of affordable, clean, and reliable electrical power while providing cities and businesses with clean and efficient transportation over an indispensable inland waterway. This bill will protect these indispensable assets ensuring their availability for future generations." said Rep. Bentz.

The announcement follows concerns expressed by environmentalists, tribes and legislators that the dams block salmon migration routes and lead to the decimation of salmon and steelhead due to warmer temperatures across stretches of the Snake River.

As a result, the Biden Administration announced in 2023 an initiative advancing the recovery of salmon, steelhead and other native fish populations by breaching the dams and replacing them with other clean energy projects.

Related Sites:
Risch, Newhouse Introduce Bill to Protect Four Lower Snake River Dams Press Release, 1/22/25

Related Pages:
Idahoans Can Thank Hydropower for Keeping AC Running by U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, Idaho Mountain Express, 8/21/24
Idahoans Support Vital Economic and Environmental Importance of Snake River Dams by Sen. Jim Risch & Jason Mercier, Idaho Statesman, 7/23/23
Protect U.S. Hydropower on the Northwest's Snake River by Jim Risch & Steve Daines, Washington Examiner, 4/17/24 br clear="all">