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Newhouse Sponsors Bill on Snake Dams by Staff Spokane Public Radio, September 4, 2025

Washington congressman seeks to protect dams through federal legislation

For years, U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA04) has argued the Lower Snake River dams make up an important energy source for the Northwest and that they can coexist with salmon.

Newhouse has introduced a bill that says federal money can't be used to breach the Lower Snake River dams or to study the benefits the dams provide, including energy and barging.

If the dams were breached, the energy, irrigation and transportation infrastructure would need to be replaced.

Clark Mather with Northwest RiverPartners testified that breaching the dams could lead to blackouts in the Northwest.

"We have experienced several near misses and several public studies indicate a surge in load growth in the future," he said.

Nez Perce Chairman Shannon Wheeler testified the bill would place the burden of protecting salmon on the backs of tribes.

"The bill would set the United States on an unambiguous course to destroy wild Snake River salmon runs," he said.

Tribes and environmental groups have pushed for breaching the dams to save endangered salmon runs.