Congress blasts Biden for secret negotiations to destroy dams and protect salmon
Republican Lawmakers Demand Transparency in Negotiations Over Dam Removal
Four Northwest Republican lawmakers have called on the federal government to share details of the “secretive negotiations” between the government and environmental groups regarding the removal of dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. In a letter to Brenda Mallory, chairwoman of the Council on Environmental Quality, the lawmakers emphasized that Congress has the authority to weigh in on President Joe Biden’s potential dam removal plans in order to rebuild salmon runs in the Columbia River Basin.
“In addition to expecting the immediate transmittal of the proposed USG commitments, we find it necessary to remind you Congress alone has the authority not only to order the breach of the Lower Snake River Dams, but also exclusive authority to direct the study of breaching or to authorize replacement resources,” the letter reads.
A federal court in Oregon has temporarily paused a lawsuit to allow parties involved to negotiate further until December 15. During this time, efforts will be made to protect endangered salmon runs on the rivers. The federal government and eco-groups have developed a package of actions and commitments, which they intend to present to decision-makers for review and approval. The Republican lawmakers have requested access to this package by December 1.
“Stakeholders and our constituents are concerned their long-standing contributions to the process have not been incorporated into the final product, nor their concerns heeded. If this were to happen, we are greatly concerned the package would not be reflective of the needs of people across the Pacific Northwest,” the letter states.
Republican lawmakers and players in Washington’s public power industry have expressed frustration with the Biden administration for disregarding their concerns and excluding them from the process. Public Power Council CEO and Executive Director Scott Simms criticized the Council on Environmental Quality, stating, “The people of the Pacific Northwest have really been let down by this so-called process being run by the Council on Environmental Quality.”
In a September memo, the Biden administration did not explicitly call for the breaching of four hydroelectric dams on the Lower Snake River in Washington state, a move that tribes and environmental groups have advocated for. Instead, Biden urged federal agencies to restore native fish populations in the basin, honoring the administration’s treaty responsibilities with Pacific Northwest tribes.
1) What are the concerns raised by the lawmakers regarding the negotiation process for dam removal in the Pacific Northwest?
Ents and documents, we request a full accounting of the negotiation process that led to these discussions, including all parties involved, all relevant meetings, and a timeline of events,” the letter stated. “As elected representatives, it is our duty to ensure transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, especially when it concerns the livelihoods of our constituents and the economic well-being of our region.”
The lawmakers, Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Jaime Herrera Beutler, and Russ Fulcher, expressed their concerns that the negotiations have been conducted behind closed doors, without input from local communities, industries, and elected officials. They argue that the decision to remove the dams, which would have significant economic and environmental impacts, should be made with the full participation of all stakeholders.
The dams in question, including the four lower Snake River dams, have long been a contentious issue in the Pacific Northwest. Proponents of dam removal argue that it is necessary to restore dwindling salmon populations, which have been severely affected by the presence of the dams. However, opponents, including many farmers, barge operators, and power companies, argue that the dams are crucial for irrigation, transportation, and hydropower generation.
The lawmakers also highlighted the potential negative consequences of dam removal, such as increased electricity costs, reduced water storage for irrigation, and a loss of reliable transportation routes for agricultural products. They argue that these factors should be carefully considered and thoroughly evaluated before any decision is made.
Furthermore, the lawmakers expressed concerns about the lack of economic analysis conducted thus far and the potential impact on local economies. They stressed the need for a comprehensive analysis of the economic effects of dam removal, including the loss of jobs and revenue, as well as the potential economic benefits of other mitigation measures and alternatives.
In their letter, the lawmakers urged the Council on Environmental Quality to provide answers to their questions and to engage in an open dialogue with all stakeholders involved. They emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration, stating that “the diverse opinions, knowledge, and expertise of those living and working in the region should not be disregarded or marginalized.”
The lawmakers concluded their letter by reiterating their commitment to protecting the interests of their constituents and advocating for a balanced and evidence-based decision-making process. They emphasized the need for the federal government to consider all perspectives and ensure that any decisions made regarding dam removal are thoroughly justified and in the best interest of all parties involved.
The demand for transparency from these Republican lawmakers reflects the broader push for openness and inclusivity in environmental decision-making processes. It underscores the importance of engaging all stakeholders, considering diverse viewpoints, and thoroughly evaluating the potential consequences of major environmental actions. In an era marked by increasingly polarized debates, the call for transparency serves as a reminder that decisions on issues like dam removal should be made through careful and inclusive deliberation rather than through closed-door negotiations.
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