This year, Washington State and much of the western United States faced severe drought conditions, water shortages, and rationing, which have had serious impacts on our agriculture, energy, and manufacturing sectors, as well as the many families and small businesses that rely on an adequate and stable supply of water. Many residents are confronting the worst drought they’ve seen in many years, and a growing number of communities across the West have been acutely impacted by these arid conditions. While this crisis has been caused by the drought, burdensome environmental laws, as well as misguided and outdated regulatory restrictions, have exacerbated the situation. As a third-generation farmer, I understand from personal experience that access to water is vital to the livelihoods and economic prosperity of Washingtonians, which is why one of my first actions in Congress was to introduce legislation aimed at developing new surface water storage projects in the west.
More on Water & Hydropower
Newhouse, Scalise Lead 130 Members to Support NEPA Modernization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep.
COLUMN: The Lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest
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.
Newhouse Invites OR Governor Brown to Tour World-Class Fish Passage at Ice Harbor Dam
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep.
Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Blast Wasteful State Report on Lower Snake River Dams
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps.
COLUMN: Local Voices Crucial to Resetting Outdated Columbia River Treaty
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.
COLUMN: Strengthening Our Water Supply Infrastructure
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.
Newhouse Introduces Bill to Maintain & Repair Water Supply Infrastructure 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.
Newhouse Honored with Legislator of the Year Award from Pacific Northwest Waterways Association
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.
COLUMN: Dams and Salmon Can and Do Coexist
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.
Newhouse Applauds Water Conservation Project Funding for Central Washington Irrigation Districts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) applauded the announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation of three Central Washington irrigation district projects that have been selected to receive federal small-scale water efficiency grants.
