East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho has called on the Biden administration to halt any last-minute efforts to breach the lower Snake River dams. He emphasized that the incoming administration should have time to review and shape the management of the Columbia River System, which includes these dams.

Risch, along with Senators Mike Crapo, Cynthia Lummis, Steve Daines, and John Barrasso, sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm expressing concerns about the exclusion of key stakeholders from decision-making processes regarding the Federal Columbia River Power System. The senators stated, "The river system is the backbone of the Pacific Northwest, providing essential benefits to the region, including energy production, agricultural support, recreation, and transportation." They also noted that excluding affected communities undermines fair governance principles and poses risks for economic and social consequences.

The lower Snake River's four hydroelectric dams offer various benefits to Idaho and its surrounding areas. These include transporting over 15 million metric tons of wheat in 2020 alone; supporting $686 million in jobs and businesses related to Idaho’s Port of Lewiston; contributing to a 95% emission-free power portfolio managed by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA); providing reliable energy during extreme weather events; and supporting irrigation.

Senator Risch has been an advocate for maintaining these dams' operations and introduced legislation known as the Northwest Energy Security Act aimed at protecting them. In September 2020, following extensive scientific studies by federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and BPA, a record of decision was released affirming these dams' critical importance.