(WASHINGTPN, DC) - - In response to a question from Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) at a May 7 budget hearing, Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he is “passionately in support” of keeping the lower Snake River dams in place.
“They’ve been tremendous assets for decades,” Wright said of the dams. “We should not spend money to go backwards to reduce our energy generating capacity.”
Wright said hydropower facilities will become more important resources as demand for electricity in the United States rises.
“When America was bold, we built a number of great dams,” Wright said. “They’ve been critical to the economic prosperity of our country, very early suppliers of firm, reliable power … they provide what I call high-value electricity, which means it’s there when you need it and you can hold it back when you don’t need it. They’re very valuable assets.”
NWPPA has long supported keeping the lower Snake River dams, which are a critical power resource in the Northwest.
“Public power utilities across the region deeply appreciate
Secretary Wright’s strong endorsement of the lower Snake River dams,” said
NWPPA CEO and Executive Director Kurt Miller. “His remarks affirm the essential
role these projects play in keeping electricity reliable and affordable for the
communities we serve. As demand for clean, firm power continues to grow, the
lower Snake River dams remain a cornerstone of our region’s energy
infrastructure and a vital asset for not-for-profit, community-owned utilities.”
