KENNEWICK, Wash. – Senator Matt Boenke introduced a senate joint memorial in Olympia that recognizes the lower Snake River Dams and their roles in the region.
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.
Senator Boenke states in SJM 8010 that breaching the dams would eliminate all barge navigation between the Tri-Cities and Clarkston, resulting in rail and trucking networks for the transportation of commodities.
Additional benefits such as hydropower, fish and wildlife conservation, agriculture and recreation were also cited by Senator Boenke.
SJM 8010 strives to reenact the Northwest Energy Security Act to prohibit any structural modification, action, study or engineering plan that stops the dams from generating electricity.
Recently, 4th District Representative Dan Newhouse and Idaho Senator Jim Risch re-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.
SJM 8010 was referred to the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee on January 29 in Olympia.
