Inslee’s Office Releases Draft Dam Report

Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s office released the Draft of a New Study that looks at the economic and overall impact of removing the four lower Snake River dams. The draft does not say if the dams should remain or be removed, but rather took the input an options of nearly 100 stakeholders including farmers, environmentalists, fishermen and shippers.

The differences over the fate of four dams “remain deep,” the study said, but added there may be opportunities to increase communication and understanding between those that want the dams removed and those that want them to stay. Inslee requested the $750,000 study at the request of a task force that says it is interested in increasing the number of salmon that orca feed on.

“What this report tells us is Governor Inslee spent three-quarters of a million dollars and a year’s time to conclude ‘there are differing perspectives’ and ‘more information needed’ on this issue,” said Representitives Dan Newhouse and Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “We had no idea a year ago when we said this study would be a wasteful use of taxpayer dollars just how accurate we’d be, imagine how far $750,000 could have gone to directly support salmon recovery efforts. Every taxpayer in our state should be outraged.”

Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers continued, “We will continue to work in Congress with local stakeholders and federal partners—who are already conducting a comprehensive environmental analysis based on science, not opinions—to improve salmon recovery and fish passage within the federally-owned and operated dam system while maintaining and optimizing the clean, renewable hydroelectric power our communities and economies rely on. In the meantime, since the Governor’s so-called ‘public workshops’ next month will not allow for public testimony, we encourage all community members to submit their comments and concerns on the report to ensure our voices are heard.”

There will be three public workshops to discuss the findings of the study, which will include a presentation of the report followed by a panel discussion representing different interests. Per the Governor’s Office, there will not be time for public testimony during the workshops. Audience members may submit written questions to be asked of the panel if time is available, and written comments will be accepted.

Public workshop dates and locations listed below:

January 7, 2020 – Clarkston

Quality Inn & Suites and Quay Convention Center

700 Port Drive, Clarkston

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

January 9, 2020 – Vancouver

Washington State University Vancouver – Dengerink Administration Building

14204 NE Salmon Avenue, Vancouver

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

January 13, 2020 – Tri-Cities

Pasco Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center

2525 North 20th Avenue, Pasco