Dam Breaching Update Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Governor Jay Inslee and U.S. Senator Patty Murray have released a draft assessment of breaching four dams on the Lower Snake River to determine if breaching the dams will benefit endangered salmon.
Dam breaching opponent, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says the report may actually help his cause …
NEWHOUSE … “It truly does help us underscore how important the dams are. You know, similar to the Simpson plan that was brought out of, about a year or two ago whenever that was now, to help to quantify some of the benefits that we receive. I think they’re underestimated, to tell you the truth.”
In the end, Newhouse says, isn’t it obvious …
NEWHOUSE ... “I think we know the conclusion. The dams are valuable. That salmon and dams can coexist and we need to continue reaping the benefits that the dams provide.”
But, Newhouse says, this is probably not the end …
NEWHOUSE … “You’ve got to remember; this is not a scientifically driven effort. This is an ideological crusade that people are very intent on accomplishing. And we have to be very vigilant if we’re going to protect these important pieces of infrastructure that have allowed our region and the economy in our region to grow and prosper.”
The report, ironically, comes out just a week after the President declared a national emergency, saying our ability to provide sufficient electricity is under threat.
Listen tomorrow for more on Newhouse’s claim that removing dams is not the answer.
