Protecting the Columbia River Power System

Earlier this week, President Biden announced that the United States energy grid may not be able to keep up with the demand of the people this summer, which could lead to devastating blackouts nationwide. At the same time, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray are forging ahead with their political agenda to tear out the four Lower Snake River dams.

Let me be clear: Calling for the removal of the four Lower Snake River dams after three straight years of improved salmon returns is misguided. Trying to breach them at a time when families in Eastern Washington are paying record-high energy costs just to keep the lights on this summer is downright alarming.

That’s why Congressman Dan Newhouse and I introduced the Federal Columbia River Power System Certainty Act this week to protect the four Lower Snake River dams and ensure the energy the dams along the entire Columbia-River System are protected – all while reducing carbon emissions, driving down energy costs, and helping recover endangered salmon. 

You can learn more about our new legislation here.