Rep. Rosendale Opposes Potential Removal of Essential Snake River Dams

Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) expressed opposition against harmful policy decisions by the Biden Administration in the attempt to enact federal settlement with Pacific Northwest tribes that could lead to the removal of four dams along the Lower Snake River.

“This issue is not just important; it is a slap in the face to the hardworking people of Montana and the entire Northwest,” said Rep. Rosendale. “The secretive mediation surrounding the litigation and potential removal of these dams is an outright betrayal of the citizens who depend on this infrastructure.

“There is no other country in the world that would spend billions of dollars that have been invested into the improvement of these dams, which would provide affordable, reliable electricity; irrigation for productive farm ground—feeding millions; flood control to protect local communities; locks for the transportation of products that we export around the world; and yes, fish passage, both up and downstream to protect fisheries… And then even have a conversation or consider destroying all of that. It’s insanity!”

Background:

Over three million electricity customers, reliant on the hydropower produced by these dams were shamefully left without representation throughout this clandestine process.

Despite strong salmon returns in 2014 and 2022, the Administration continues to disregard the resilience of these species.

Removal of irrigation capabilities from the river will directly impact farms that contribute more than $2 billion to the economy annually and provide over 10,000 agriculture jobs.

Replacing these dams through alternative transportation modes is projected to cost up to $860 million annually until 2045, with an estimated total cost of $18 billion for the region.

Additionally, Energy costs could skyrocket by up to 50%, affecting over 100,000 Montanans relying on the Bonneville Power Administration, and jeopardizing the essential baseload power for many Montana Co-Ops, especially during harsh winter months when temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods of time.