The National Grange, a longstanding advocate for the economic prosperity of agriculture, has raised concerns over recent proposals to remove dams along the Snake River in Washington State. These dams play crucial roles in power generation, irrigation, transportation, and local employment, making them integral to the region’s infrastructure and economy.
In a letter addressed to lawmakers, the National Grange emphasized the importance of any dam removal plan to include a comprehensive economic transition strategy. They highlighted the potential ramifications of dam removal on various sectors and urged policymakers to consider the broader economic implications.
This stance from the National Grange comes in response to the introduction of legislation by Representative Dan Newhouse, known as the ‘DAMN Act,’ which seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for dam breaching initiatives. Representative Newhouse has criticized the lack of transparency in discussions surrounding dam removal, advocating for solutions that balance the conservation needs of salmon populations with the economic benefits provided by the dams.
