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:
Historic agreement seen as a harbinger to Snake River dam removal
Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River. Gov. Jay Inslee and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray said removing the four dams on the Lower Snake isn’t feasible right now. CREDIT: Bonneville… Continue Reading Historic agreement seen as a harbinger to Snake River dam removal
Tribal members gather to demand U.S. Government fulfill treaty obligations
Sockeye salmon like these are among the salmon species in peril. (Credit: Aaron Kunz) Listen (Runtime 2:57) Read For Northwest tribes, removing the four lower Snake River dams means more… Continue Reading Tribal members gather to demand U.S. Government fulfill treaty obligations
Flying high for conservation, EcoFlight soars above the Northwest
Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River. (Courtesy: EcoFlight) Listen (Runtime 1:34) Read For more than 40 years, Bruce Gordon has flown people over wild lands and wildlife habitats across… Continue Reading Flying high for conservation, EcoFlight soars above the Northwest
