Newhouse Reminding Northwest To Comment On Draft EIS Before Comment Period Closes

Monday is the deadline to submit comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the four lower Snake River dams. In late February, that draft was released, showing the removal of the dams would have a detrimental impact to the Inland Northwest and beyond. But, no final decision will be issued until the current comment period comes to an end.

While many of us are staying home to stay safe, Central Washington representative Dan Newhouse is encouraging the farming community to use this time to make their thoughts known on the draft EIS and the importance of those dams known.

“Not that everyone is just sitting around twiddling their thumbs, I’m not saying that, but now that people do have some time on their hands from perhaps their work activities or other normal activities, to be able to spend a little time at the desktop computer, or laptop computer, or however they want to engage," Newhouse said. " I think those opportunities are there, and people should take advantage of them."

Federal agencies are already reviewing over 3,000 comments received through mail, an online comment platform and six virtual public meetings that involved 1,000 participants, and look forward to any additional comments received through the end of the comment period. Click Here to make your thoughts known.

The draft EIS is the result of more than three years of regional collaboration between the lead federal agencies and more than 30 entities from across the region, consisting of tribes, federal agencies, and state and local governments.

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