
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Sen. Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick) filed legislation to push federal lawmakers to take action to protect four lower Snake River dams from removal.
According to a news release, Boehnke has filed Senate Joint Memorial 8010, urging federal lawmakers to approve the Northwest Energy Security Act.
The act, introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R) and an Idaho senator, aims to secure the hydroelectric power, irrigation networks and economic stability provided by the dams.
“The dams are essential to Washington’s energy security, transportation networks and agriculture,” said Boehnke. He argues the current federal leadership offers a chance to address concerns about the dams’ impact on salmon.
The dams, located between Clarkston and Pasco, supply carbon-free electricity to approximately 750,000 homes. Boehnke emphasized their role in meeting Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act goals and supporting regional agriculture and fish conservation.
Boehnke warned that removing the dams could increase carbon emissions by 3 million metric tons if fossil fuels replace the hydroelectric power. He also noted potential electricity cost hikes of $800 million, including a 50 percent increase in Bonneville Power Administration’s costs.
The legislative session began on Jan. 13 and is set to end on April 27.