East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch and Representative Dan Newhouse have introduced the Northwest Energy Security Act, a legislative proposal aimed at safeguarding the four lower Snake River dams. This initiative seeks to support the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) by enhancing hydropower assets and ensuring operations align with recent federal scientific reviews.

Senator Risch emphasized the importance of these dams, stating, "The lower Snake River dams are indispensable to the northwest, and efforts to breach them are profoundly misguided." He added that they provide essential services such as clean hydropower and support for transportation and agriculture in the region.

Representative Newhouse highlighted the significance of this 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 source of baseload power," he said.

Joining Risch and Newhouse in introducing this bill are U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Steve Daines, Tim Sheehy, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, along with Representatives Russ Fulcher, Cliff Bentz, and Michael Baumgartner.

Senator Crapo noted concerns about consensus among stakeholders but referenced a 2020 Record of Decision supporting dam protection: "The Northwest Energy Security Act would codify this recommendation."

Senator Daines expressed his stance against breaching hydropower dams: "We should be increasing baseload power, not tearing it down."

Senator Sheehy stressed energy security's role in national security: "Protecting the four lower Snake River dams... is just common sense."

Barrasso mentioned local reliance on hydroelectric power from these dams: "Attempts to remove these dams put this vital power source in jeopardy."

Lummis pointed out multiple benefits provided by the river system: "The last thing we need to do is breach the dams."

Will Hart from Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association stated that breaching would result in losing critical resources: "Our members strongly support the Northwest Energy Security Act."

Bryan Searle from Idaho Farm Bureau Federation remarked on coexistence between salmon and dams: "Their importance for both transportation and energy production cannot be overstated."

Scott Corbitt from Port of Lewiston warned against repercussions if breaches occur: "The repercussions... would be disastrous for Lewis-Clark Valley."

The proposed act directs FCRPS operations per a 2020 environmental impact statement decision which advised maintaining rather than breaching these structures while improving conditions for salmon passage.