Snake River dams' benefits replaceable; salmon aren't

By Joseph Bogaard / For The Herald

The Snohomish County Public Utility District has outlined its plan to meet the region’s expanding energy needs, which leans into efficiency, energy conservation and smart new technologies (“PUD eyeing conservation, innovating to meet growing energy need,” The Herald, Feb. 21). This approach can be applied across our region, and can save Snake River salmon from extinction at the same time.

We can have a future with abundant salmon and steelhead, clean and affordable energy, economic opportunities for everyone; all while upholding our treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. This is all possible; but only if we act now.

Decades of scientific research make clear that removing Washington state’s four lower Snake River dams is necessary to stop the permanent loss of salmon, steelhead and salmon-dependent Southern Resident orcas. We can, and should, take the immediate steps necessary to replace the energy and other services these dams provide.

Salmon are central to the treaty rights and cultures of Tribes that have led efforts to recover them for decades. In January, the 57 Tribes of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians passed a resolution calling for “bold action for salmon and river restoration in the Columbia Basin.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-snake-river-dams-benefits-replaceable-salmon-arent/