Daines Gives Biden Administration Reality Check on Financial Burden of Dam Breaching
By Denise Rivette
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Steve Daines insisted in a letter authored with other Republican lawmakers that President Biden’s Department of Energy (DOE) address the financial burden that breaching the lower Snake River dams (LSRDs) would have on Montanans. The demand comes after months of what Daines’ statement referred to as the Biden administration attempting to usurp congressional authority and move toward dam breaching.
“It is disconcerting to note the proposed agreement is already being celebrated as a ‘roadmap’ for lower Snake River dam breaching […] despite the fact the administration has acknowledged only Congress has the authority to remove federal dams . . . While the analyses of cost implications of breaching the LSRDs have so far been incomprehensive, even conservative estimates have recognized the costs would be staggering,” wrote the Senators. “. . .The economic burden on northwest public power utilities and ratepayers is unjustifiable. This says nothing for growing demand for more electricity at all times and the need for reliability.”
Senator Daines joined U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) in sending the letter.
Read the full letter here.
Senator Tester shares their concerns stating, “I’m opposed to the Administration’s proposal that could result in the breaching of the Snake River Dams. I have made it clear to the Administration that I have deep concerns that these negotiations have not done enough to include Montanans. I firmly believe that by bringing in folks from Montana – including our rural electric co-ops, Tribes, and agricultural producers – we can find a path forward that supports affordable and reliable energy, supports the recovery of endangered fish populations, and provides certainty for folks in the Treasure State and across the entire northwest.”