Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Senator Patty Murray are exploring options to breach the lower Snake River dams. According to the Spokesman-Review, Inslee made that announcement during a virtual gathering of Washington environmentalists Thursday. During a fundraiser organized by Washington Conservation Voters, the governor said he and Washington’s senior senator are working on “a rigorous, robust and fast assessment of how to replace those services if we breach those dams.”

Conservation groups and northwest tribes have increased efforts as of recent to remove the four dams located between Lewiston, ID and Pasco, WA, claiming removal of those dams will help salmon runs in the Snake and other rivers. While no details have been offered, Inslee stressed during last week’s event that the dams are not the only factor contributing to the decline salmon runs.

He noted climate change and ocean acidification play a big role as well.

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