Crapo, Risch, Daines Call on Biden Admin to Protect Energy Security, Maintain Lower Snake River Dams

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) and Steve Daines (R-Montana) sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm urging the Biden administration to join them in continuing to advocate for the preservation of the lower Snake River dams.

“We write, as members representing constituents from the Northwest United States, urging the Department of Energy to be an advocate for the continued operation of the entire Federal Columbia River Power System, in particular the hydroelectric dams on the lower Snake River, consistent with the 2020 Columbia River System Operations Record of Decision. Hydropower is a reliable and carbon-free resource that provides power to millions of Americans.  Despite this, certain voices in the Biden Administration continue to advocate for breaching dams and reducing the System’s benefits, which would have far-reaching and devastating consequences. Any recommendation or action taken that does not include the input,”  the Senators wrote.  

“The United States is creating an energy crisis by turning away from reliable baseload and peaking power sources: the kind of generation required to fill in the gaps left by wind, solar, and batteries and to operate a safe and dependable electric grid. We need to maintain our existing sources of reliable energy, including hydropower.  There is no similarly effective carbon-free alternative available or in place. As the Secretary of Energy, we expect your clear, unqualified support for all federal dams, especially those on the lower Snake River,” the Senators continued.   

Read the full letter Senators Crapo, Risch and Daines sent Secretary Granholm HERE.