SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8004
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 30, 2017
Brief Description: Requesting that certain federal officials prevent the breaching of any dam in the Columbia River system.
Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Honeyford, Padden, Rossi, Baumgartner, Brown, Rivers, Schoesler, Becker, Hawkins, Braun and Warnick.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Telecommunications: 1/31/17.
Brief Summary of Joint Memorial |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS |
Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)
Background: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) operate, maintain, and transmit hydroelectric power from 14 federal multiple purpose dams and related facilities located throughout the Columbia River Basin. In total, these dams generate enough electricity to power about $7 million homes.
Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and BPA intend to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Columbia River system operations and configurations for 14 federal projects in the interior Columbia Basin.
The three agencies will present a reasonable range of alternatives for long-term system operations and evaluate the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts on flood risk management, irrigation, power generation, navigation, fish and wildlife, cultural resources and recreation. The deadline to provide public comment on the EIS has been extended to February 7, 2017.
Summary of Joint Memorial: The Senate Joint Memorial recognizes the importance of the Columbia River system for the security and prosperity of the state, and expresses concern that breaching any dam in the system would significantly alter system operations and severely diminish hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, navigation, flood risk management, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits the system currently provides to the people of Washington.
The Joint Memorial asks the President, Vice President, Congress, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bonneville Power Administration to take any and all action to prevent the breaching of any dam in the Columbia River system.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.