Snake River Dam preservation added to legislative agenda

SPOKANE VALLEY – The preservation of the Snake River dams has been solidified as a key item on the legislative agenda for the city council. The move comes amidst ongoing debate and litigation surrounding the dams’ future and their environmental impact.

Chelsea Martin, Government Relations and Communications Coordinator at Modern Electric Water Co., emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable electricity costs for the region. “Our goal is to keep electricity costs low,” she stated.

The Snake River dams, namely Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite, form the Federal Columbia River Power System. Together, these four dams have the capacity to generate up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity, a figure likened to the output of three large nuclear power plants or six medium-sized coal plants.

Despite legal challenges and environmental concerns, the U.S. Government’s final record of decision, issued on October 8, 2020, unequivocally stated that breaching the dams is not a viable option. This decision followed years of litigation, including a lawsuit filed in 1992 against the lower Snake River plants, which remains unresolved.

Recent developments have seen the White House engage in secretive negotiations with six “sovereigns,” including the states of Washington and Oregon, as well as various Native American tribes such as the Nez Perce, Yakama, Warm Springs, and Umatilla Tribes. However, notable exclusions from these negotiations include Congress, electric utilities, 25 tribes, and industries impacted by the dams’ operations.

“It’s enough to power 10 cities the size of Seattle,” remarked Martin, emphasizing the dams’ capacity to meet the energy demands of millions of homes, particularly during times of extreme weather events such as cold snaps.

The dams have not been without controversy, facing multiple lawsuits, including a recent one in 2021 alleging significant harm to salmon populations and advocating for their removal. However, the decision to maintain the dams stands firm, as determined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The economic significance of hydropower cannot be overstated for communities like Spokane Valley, where it serves as a lifeline, ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of essential services and industries. During a recent cold snap, hydropower proved indispensable, providing a reliable energy source when natural gas lines failed.

Despite the resilience of hydropower, concerns persist about future energy needs and the sustainability of current practices. The Department of Commerce predicts a doubling of energy requirements by 2050, underscoring the need for long-term planning and investment in alternative sources.

Amidst the debate, voices like Councilwoman Laura Padden stress the importance of understanding the complex interplay between environmental factors and energy production.

Padden contends that oceanic warming, not hydropower, poses the greatest threat to salmon populations, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to conservation efforts.

Furthermore, investments in infrastructure, such as fish ladders, have been ongoing since the 1960s, aimed at mitigating the impact of dams on fish migration. The Bonneville Power Administration, which oversees the distribution of power from the dams, plays a central role in the region’s energy ecosystem, funded by consumer bills.

Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg emphasized the historical significance of the Columbia River Project, which has facilitated irrigation across two million acres of land since its inception in the 1930s, contributing significantly to the region’s agricultural economy.

In a unanimous decision, the council approved the inclusion of the Snake River dam preservation on the legislative agenda.