Yakima Times

With the backing of a Republican federal government, policymakers in Congress and within the Trump administration are focusing on bolstering the United States' energy infrastructure to achieve energy dominance. A key component in this plan is the utilization of hydroelectric dams, particularly in central Washington.

Hydropower offers affordable energy to over 30 million Americans and plays a crucial role in maintaining low energy rates, even during periods of high demand. Its capacity to adjust swiftly to demand fluctuations and store water for emergencies is particularly valuable in regions like the Pacific Northwest.

Four dams on the Lower Snake River are instrumental in securing the region's energy grid, providing approximately 90% of the Pacific Northwest's renewable energy. These dams also facilitate transportation, flood control, agriculture, and recreation. Notably, they enable Lewiston, Idaho, to remain a critical inland seaport city on the West Coast, supporting vital commerce through barge traffic.

"The system sees around 1,400 ships arrive annually, carrying 35,000 gross tons of products, and the cruise industry feeds over 30,000 cruise ship passengers through the system every year."

Despite attacks from a previous administration concerning these dams' impact on salmon survival, measures have been taken to ensure co-existence between the two. "The reality is that salmon and dams can and do coexist, and we have seen very positive upward trends for many species of salmon." Lawmakers remain committed to enhancing salmon runs without sacrificing crucial energy resources.

Support for these dams is reinforced by public and stakeholder backing. Legislation such as the Northwest Energy Security Act has been introduced to ensure these dams continue operating. This act mandates adherence to the 2020 Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement, which advises against breaching these infrastructures.

Additionally, the Defending our Dams Act seeks to restrict federal funding from being used for activities leading to the breaching of the Lower Snake River dams. The POWER Act aims to prevent the Department of Interior and the United States Army Corps of Engineers from retiring energy sources, which could impact electricity rates and regional energy reliability.

With U.S. electricity demand projected to grow by 16% by 2029, expanding generation capacity has become a pressing need. The growth of Washington state's population by one million in the coming decade further underscores the demand for stable energy sources. Hydroelectric dams remain pivotal to maintaining energy sustainability and supporting America's broader energy independence goals.