McMorris Rodgers: Many Take Regional Dams For Granted

As some look to have dams removed in the name of the environment, many in the Ag community are off the sidelines, defending the dams and what they’ve done for the Inland Northwest and beyond.  One of those is Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

The Eastern Washington representative is an outspoken critic of the idea floated by Governor Jay Inslee that the dams, specifically the lower Snake River dams, should be removed.  McMorris Rodgers said it’s important to realize that the Columbia and Snake River system is foundational to the Northwest economy.

"Certainly from an agricultural prospective, the irrigation, the barging of product up and down the river, the flood control, the low cost electricity across the board, it has built our agriculture to be the #1 industry in Washington state.”

McMorris Rodgers said removing the dams not only would be detrimental to Washington’s agricultural industry, but also to Washington’s state efforts as a leader in clean energy solutions.

“Instead of turning backwards, let’s keep moving forward let’s keep looking at the science, figuring out how we can improve, but also recognizing that salmon runs have improved.”

McMorris Rodgers recently questioned Governor Inslee about his position on removing the dams before the House Energy Commerce Committee.  She noted rather than wasting taxpayer money on a redundant study all parties involved should wait for the current Environmental Impact Statement to run its course.

McMorris Rodgers also encourages everyone to contact their congressional representatives to let them know what the Columbia and Snake River dams mean to their lives; and what their removal would mean.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com