Newhouse: Lets Focus On The Real Problem Facing Orcas

Representative Dan Newhouse said Friday’s release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement was just what the Ag community had been calling for; rely on the science. Newhouse said he appreciate the 3.5 years of scientific collaboration and research by a variety of federal agencies that led to last week’s conclusion.

“Breaching of the dams is not the preferred solution certainly there are things that need to be considered on how we better operate the river system, but that’s a positive thing we can pick from it at least on the first reading.”

Newhouse said this is not the end however, and to help the salmon, a much bigger picture must be observed. And he said that means rather than focusing on the Snake River Dams, look at ways to clean up Puget Sound.

“So I absolutely support Congresswoman McMorris Rodger’s efforts to draw attention to the health of the Puget Sound, so we can do everything we can, to improve the water quality there, and in turn improve the numbers of salmon available to the orcas for their food source.”

Newhouse said it’s unacceptable that millions of gallons of raw sewage are dumped into Puget Sound annually, and something needs to be done.

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