Leaked Document Reveals U.S. Government's Plan to Replace Hydropower from Snake River Dams

The proposal, aimed at restoring depleted salmon runs, faces opposition from utility and business groups concerned about regional impacts.

Leaked document reveals the U.S. government's willingness to help build new clean energy projects in the Pacific Northwest to replace hydropower generated by four controversial dams on the Snake River.
Conservationists believe the removal of these dams is key to restoring depleted salmon runs, but Congress would need to agree before any dams are removed.
The draft agreement includes funding for analyzing the region’s energy needs, improving transportation infrastructure, making the power grid more resilient and restoring salmon and other native fish runs in the Columbia River basin.
Opposition to the dam removal comes from utility and business groups who argue that breaching the dams would hurt the region’s ports and farmers and could raise electricity prices.
Parties involved in the case may request a multiyear pause on litigation to allow for the implementation of the package as soon as Dec. 15.