Last week, the Trump administration affirmed its support for the four Lower Snake River hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest.
CFACT’s Conservation Country series, particularly our investigative report from September 2024, highlighted the benefits of this energy source, going directly to Ice Harbor Dam in eastern Washington.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said of his visit to Ice Harbor: “Hydroelectric dams have provided affordable and reliable electricity to millions of American families and businesses for decades. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, they will continue to do so!”
If you missed the original report, catch it HERE.
Our Lower Snake River Dam investigation uncovered some inconvenient “dam” truths. Dam breaching would lead to phasing out reliable hydroelectric power for electricity produced by intermittent solar and wind. Transportation of goods by barge would stop. And most “daming” of all, migratory salmon — an anti-hydro scapegoat — aren’t threatened by these power plants. Our report revealed marine mammals like voracious killer whales and sea lions pose a far greater threat.
In sum, the environmental trade-offs far outweigh the promised “benefits” of dam replacements.
CFACT is proud to have played a small but pivotal role in promoting hydroelectric power in the Northwest. However, there are numerous stories across America that also require attention. That’s where CFACT’s Conservation Country series comes into play.
Conservation Country specializes in shining a light on property rights, wildlife, and government abuses, as well as showcasing examples where things are done right — in other words, true conservation success stories.
Through this project, the CFACT team is fighting to change the narrative on terms like “environmental protection” by infusing it with sound science and free-market principles. With Team Trump in office, now is an especially good time to press the advance!