Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from Utah for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3144, introduced by Mrs. McMorris Rodgers of Washington, was considered by the subcommittee I chair, Water, Power, and Oceans. It looks to provide certainty and reliability to the Federal Columbia River Power System in the Pacific Northwest. This system includes four large dams in the lower Snake River in Washington State that provide the region with a number of benefits, including renewable emission-free hydropower. Despite all of these benefits, the power system has been mired in third-party litigation for decades. Some litigious groups have focused their efforts on removing the four dams in the Lower Snake under the false assumption that it will improve endangered species. In reality, however, these dams already have survival rates for salmon in the upper 90th percentile. Most recently, a Federal court ordered round-the-clock spillover of the Columbia and Snake River dams that went into effect last week. These additional spills will do little to help the fish species, and in reality, do nothing more than leave the region's ratepayers to foot a spill surcharge estimated to cost up to $40 million per year. This bill ensures that the power system is operated in accordance with the current operations plans until certain reasonable targets are met. It was found to be legally and scientifically sound by the Obama administration, and has resounding support among stakeholders in the region.…”