Political Quotes

“Madam President, I rise today to convey my support for the Columbia River Federal Power System. The congressionally-authorized Federal dams on the Columbia River System bring unparalleled benefits to the Pacific Northwest and stand as an example to other hydropower projects worldwide. The system's capacity to generate always-on, baseload carbon-free power is vital to the Northwest. As many other parts of the country have experienced rolling blackouts, the dams in the Columbia Basin have consistently kept the lights on. In the Northwest, we enjoy numerous other benefits from this infrastructure, including flood control, irrigation, navigation, and recreation. Due to its remarkable lock and dam system, even my landlocked home State of Idaho benefits from a seaport, sending Idaho's agricultural and manufactured products around the world in a cost- effective, low-carbon manner. As additional challenges have risen, scientists and managers at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have adapted under the direction of Congress to ensure the dams are still simultaneously beneficial to humans and our natural environment. It is due to these important considerations that I speak on the Water Resources Development Act before the Senate today. Among a list of studies that can generally be measured in acres or at most counties is a sweeping and far-reaching study directed at aquatic habitat restoration in the Columbia River Basin.…”