McMorris Rodgers Announces Congressional Hearing on Protecting the Lower Snake River Dams

Washington, D.C. – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced a hearing today titled “Exposing President Biden’s Plan to Dismantle the Snake River Dams and the Negative Impacts to the U.S.”

She released the following statement:

“The Columbia River System and the Lower Snake River dams are the beating heart of the Pacific Northwest, yet that hasn’t stopped the Biden administration from apparently colluding with special interest groups to lay the groundwork to remove them. We are deeply disturbed by the blatant disregard for the enormous hydropower, irrigation, and navigation benefits these dams provide, as well as a willingness to ignore the voices of those who depend on the dams the most. It’s past time for full transparency from the Biden administration. This hearing will provide an opportunity to expose how its plans will destroy people’s lives in Eastern Washington.”

Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security hearing titled “Exposing President Biden’s Plan to Dismantle the Snake River Dams and the Negative Impacts to the United States.”

WHAT: A subcommittee hearing on the devastating impacts of removing the Snake River Dams with testimony from the Biden administration and stakeholders.  

DATE: Tuesday, January 30, 2024 

TIME: 10:00 AM E.T. / 7:00 AM P.T.

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

WITNESSES: Representatives from the following government agencies have been confirmed:

• Council on Environmental Quality
• U.S. Department of Energy
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Bonneville Power Administration

NOTE: A representative of the Army has also been invited to testify. In addition to the panel of government witnesses, there will be a second panel with stakeholders.

This release is at the direction of the Chair. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be live streamed online at https://energycommerce.house.gov/. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Kyle VonEnde at Kyle.VonEnde@mail.house.gov.

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