Study Says Plans Needed To Replace Snake River Dams Power Generation
Listen
Read
A new report says renewable energy could replace Washington’s four Lower Snake River dams.
According to the report by the Northwest Energy Coalition, a mix of renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and batteries, could be the way forward to replace energy generated by the four Lower Snake River dams.
The coalition also advocates for removing the dams to help endangered sockeye salmon. Nancy Hirsh is the Executive Director of the coalition. She says while the dams are valuable, they are not irreplaceable.
“We need a decision about dam removal now. Then we can start the planning process so that we’re ready to take these dams out.”
Hirsh says the process will take time, during which renewable energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency technologies will continue to develop.
Advocates to keep the dams in place say removing the dams would make the power grid in the Northwest unreliable. The Bonneville Power Administration says the four dams helped keep the lights on during the 2021 cold snap.
Related Stories:
McMorris Rodgers hopes to help reset energy policy, if she heads House energy committee
Cathy McMorris Rodgers gives her victory speech after claiming an eighth term as a US Representative for Washington’s 5th District. Credit Emily Schwing/N3 LISTEN (Runtime: 1:05) READ If U.S. Rep.… Continue Reading McMorris Rodgers hopes to help reset energy policy, if she heads House energy committee
Federal report recommends removing four lower snake river dams to protect salmon
Breaching the Snake River dams is one major way to protect salmon, according to a final federal report announced Friday on salmon and steelhead recovery in the Columbia River Basin. Continue Reading Federal report recommends removing four lower snake river dams to protect salmon
Breaching The Four Lower Snake River Dams Not An Option Right Now, Say Murray, Inslee
A much-awaited report said removing the four Lower Snake River dams shouldn’t happen right now, but dam removal is the best way to protect Snake River salmon. Continue Reading Breaching The Four Lower Snake River Dams Not An Option Right Now, Say Murray, Inslee
