Oregon’s Governor Supports Removal Of Snake River Dams

Oregon’s Governor says removing the four lower Snake River dams is the best way to increase salmon runs.  Last week, Kate Brown sent a letter to fellow Democrat Jay Inslee offering her support of his effort to “restore health” to the orcas.

Brown’s letter said “The science is clear, that removing the earthen portions of the four lower Snake River dams is the most certain and robust solution to Snake River salmon and steelhead recovery.  No other action has the potential to improve overall survival two-to three-fold and simultaneously address both the orca and salmon recovery dilemma, while providing certainty in the legal challenge that has complicated operations for decades.  This options would likely provide a dramatic increase in salmon available for orca forage.”

You can read the entire letter from Governor Kate Brown by Clicking Here.

Brown’s letter comes as Governor Inslee is leading a study looking at the economic impact the central and eastern Washington if those dams are removed.  That report is expected to be released next month.

“Governor Brown’s position is not only misguided, it is shocking and extreme,” said Representatives Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Jaime Herrera Beutler. “This is yet another example of state officials trying to interfere in the operation of critical federal infrastructure. In Congress, we will wait for the release of the comprehensive federal study of the river system before jumping to conclusions that would devastate our regional economy and local communities; including those in Oregon.”

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