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Subcommittee debate over HR 2073 spotlights energy, navigation and salmon recovery on Lower Snake River dams
Summary
The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries debated HR 20 73, which would bar federal funds from studying or facilitating removal of the four Lower Snake River dams, with witnesses split between arguments about energy and commerce and concerns about salmon recovery and tribal treaty rights.
WASHINGTON — The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries held an extended and often tense discussion on HR 20 73, the ‘‘Defending Our Dams Act’’ sponsored by Rep. Dan Newhouse, which would prohibit federal funds from being used to study or facilitate removal of the four Lower Snake River dams.
Proponents described the dams as essential regional infrastructure. Dustin Scheer, senior adviser to the assistant secretary for water and science at the Department of the Interior, told the subcommittee the Lower Snake River dams produce significant amounts of carbon-free electricity, support inland barge commerce and irrigation, and provide flood control. Clark Mather, executive director of Northwest River Partners, emphasized hydropower’s role in regional reliability and food exports and urged passage of HR 20 73 to prevent studies that could lead to breaching.
Supporters cited studies and numbers on cargo movements and energy;…
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