(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris issued the following statement regarding the 9th Circuit Court’s Decision to uphold Judge Redden’s ruling requiring spill at Snake and lower Columbia River dams:

“It is unfortunate that the courts do not recognize the impact this will have on the local communities and how this decision will stifle commerce and cost jobs. This decision will cost rate payers in the Northwest $67 million and the Bonneville Power Administration estimates that rates will increase by four to five percent.

This ruling ignores progress that has been made to allow for both fish recovery and the use of dams. We need to find a more balanced approach that preserves our environment while making sure that our river system is able to be used for transportation and recreation. It is important that we protect the economic interests of the region. Dams have a huge impact on our economy and are important for irrigation, flood control, and low cost renewable electricity.

This is an important issue that should be the decision of the local communities directly impacted, not an appeals court in California.”