Opposition: Not Pleased About the Proposed Agreement to Remove the Dams

According to this article from the Oregon Capital Chronicle a “secret” agreement is discussed between the Government, environmentalists, and PNW Tribes.

Since 1994 (not a typo), Northwest River Partners has been sitting at the same table ensuring no resolution is reached.

What are their claims?

“The negotiations have been criticized for not including electric utilities customers who would potentially pay higher prices for alternative forms of energy if the dams and the hydropower they supply are ended.”

The reality is the exact opposite. The ratepayers have already paid over $20 Billion in so called “salmon recovery” operations as a result of the dams. Once the dams are removed the cost of utilities are expected to drop given less spend from the BPA on recovery programs. Not to mention most other utlities in the area will actually be able to funnel extra income to reducing rates rather than paying back hand-outs.

“The four dams provide irrigation and emissions-free hydropower for nearby communities,”

The dams provide irrigation only at Ice Harbor dam, the other three dams do not have irrigation pumps. The Ice Harbor dam provides irrigation to 9 farmers.

The dams are not emissions free as they release methane more than oil & gas powered thermal plans release carbon.

““Anti-hydropower groups determining the future of hydropower is not a good idea and that’s what this agreement is at its core,” Miller said.

Miller is the ED for Northwest River Partners, a pro-hydro organization whose done a stellar job in nearly assuring the extinction of at least 14 species. Hydropower groups making decisions for nature and environment has proven destructive. Although hydropower decisions by pro-hydro groups are also detrimental since dams produce as much methane as an oil&gas powered thermal plan produces carbon. And the older the dams, the worse the emissions from cumulative organic matter.

Hydropower is not nearly as green as the narrative wants us to believe.

For decades all parties have been looking for joint solutions and sitting in a room trying to move forward. The pro-hydro lobby have dug their heels and haven’t budged against the pleas and multiple proposals.

If work had started in the late 90s, all the services would have been replaced many fold over, salmon would be abundant, and the region bustling with business and recreational opportunities.

Given the past is in the past, it’s time to learn from our past mistakes, join our forces, and create a better tomorrow.