Newhouse, Others Push To Protect Snake River Dams

Last week, the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on legislation, co-sponsored by Representative Dan Newhouse protecting the dams on the Snake River.  H.R. 3144 would approved the Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion for the next four years.  Newhouse says many in the ag community understand the importance of the dams, not only for their power generation and easy transportation, but also flood control.

“In the 1940s, we had some just devastating floods that whipped out whole communities.  Most of us alive today don’t remember and don’t realize the true benefit that we get in flood control, for the safety and health and wellbeing of residents.”

Newhouse added life would not be more challenging without the dams, it would be unsustainable.

“We get the benefit of the irrigation water that is derived from the lakes behind these dams.  As you know, a huge benefit to our entire region as we become truly a breadbasket for the world.”

Click Here to learn more about HR 3144.  The legislation was introduced by Northwest Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dan Newhouse, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Kurt Schrader, and Greg Walden.

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