Washington, D.C. (March 16, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm inviting her to visit Eastern Washington to discuss policies that advance American energy security, innovation, and global leadership as well as receive a firsthand update on DOE’s work at the Hanford site.

In the letter, Cathy writes, “From hydropower to nuclear energy, Washington State is leading the technology and market-driven energy transition that will take us into the future. During our virtual meeting in February, we discussed Washington State’s clean, reliable, and affordable hydropower. One of my priorities as Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is to build our hydropower capacity where possible. 

She continued, “The Department of Energy’s Hydropower Vision Report from 2018 indicated U.S. hydropower could grow from 101 gigawatts of capacity to nearly 150 gigawatts by 2050. Reaching that capacity will require investments in existing infrastructure, as well as a focus on strengthening and building upon our current hydropower workforce. I remain committed to working with you to ensure hydropower remains a strong component of the American energy mix.  

She concluded, “It would be an honor to host you in Washington State to show you firsthand the exciting developments taking place in hydropower and nuclear energy and to hear from the team at the Hanford site on their progress. I look forward to working with you and your team to determine a time when you may be able to visit ‘my Washington.’”

Read her full letter here.

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