Hydropower and Water Rights
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's investment to improve water infrastructure in Mabton, Washington:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led a joint House Energy Action Team (HEAT) and Congressional Western Caucus letter signed by 130 Members in support of the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) efforts to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The Columbia River serves as the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest. In Central Washington, we realize the critical benefits provided by the hydroelectric dams on the Snake and Columbia Rivers – from clean, affordable, renewable energy to flood control, irrigation, and transportation of our goods to port. The economic impact these dams have on our communities is nearly immeasurable.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a letter to Oregon Governor Kate Brown, extending an invitation to tour Ice Harbor Dam in Washington's 4th Congressional District to hear directly from scientists and fish biologists about the world-class fish passage technology being deployed at the dam.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps.
In 1964, the United States and Canada ratified the Columbia River Treaty to increase coordination between our countries on power generation and flood control issues, along with critical support of irrigation, navigation, and ecosystem habitat needs. While the treaty has provided a useful framework for these needs, there are severe distortions that have greatly—and unfairly—burdened Americans living in the greater Northwest region.
As a farmer, former state Director of Agriculture, and now a Congressman representing one of the most flourishing agricultural regions in America, I fully understand how important it is that we reinvest in the water infrastructure our farms and communities were built upon – much of which is over a century old at this point. I have made it a priority to address these important issues for Central Washington and for rural communities across the West.
PROSSER, WA – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the introduction of the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act. This legislation would help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) water supply infrastructure.
VANCOUVER, WA – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) at the group's annual convention in Vancouver, WA. PNWA annually awards its Legislator of the Year award to a member of Congress who has gone above and beyond in supporting waterborne commerce, economic development, and navigation infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.
There has been a lot of buzz around the Snake River dams. In the decades-old argument, anti-dam advocates consistently point out that if the people of the Northwest love salmon, the dams have got to go. The communities I represent have grave concerns over the removal of the Snake River dams, which provide reliable and affordable energy that is vital to our region. These communities are also concerned about salmon survival, which is why I am proud to support our dams while also supporting research to improve fish passage.