President Trump has revoked the Biden administration’s executive actions on the Lower Snake River dams.
A new presidential memorandum, states that former executive actions, meant to support fish populations, prioritized climate concerns over reliable energy. This recall instructs various government agencies to withdraw from agreements related to Biden’s actions and to collaborate on revising the environmental review processes.
The White House said the changes are meant to prevent increased costs for farmers, retain shipping channels, and maintain agriculture in the region. The administration states that dam breaching would have had significant negative impacts, including loss of hydroelectric power sufficient for 2.5 million homes.
The National Association of Wheat Growers applauded the action with President Pat Clements saying, “We have long stood against dam breaching because of the devastating economic consequences it would impose on communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and the threat it poses to U.S. wheat’s global competitiveness. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration to preserve this critical infrastructure for generations to come.”
“We are grateful that the administration has chosen to revoke the Biden agreement, recognizing the irreparable harm that would be done to the region’s stakeholders if the lower Snake River Dams were to be breached. As harvest approaches, it is reassuring to know that barging, one of the most environmentally friendly, safest ways to transport our wheat to market, will remain a viable option,” said WAWG President, Jeff Malone.
The Columbia-Snake River System is a vital piece of national infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient transportation route for U.S. wheat exports to more than 20 countries across the Pacific Rim. NAWG says that barging on this river system is the most fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable method of moving grain—a single four-barge tow carries the equivalent of 144 railcars or 538 semi-trucks. Removing the dams would not only eliminate clean hydroelectric power but also force a shift to rail and truck transport, resulting in higher costs, increased road congestion, and significantly greater carbon emissions.
“The Snake River Dams support agriculture production, provide a reliable energy source, and provide critical transportation,” said Montana Senator Steve Daines. “Biden’s Columbia River Memorandum was an attempt to breach the dams and appease radical environmentalist groups, with Montana communities left to pay the price. I’m grateful for President Trump’s leadership in revoking this damaging policy and for his consistent track record of supporting Montana-first priorities.”
“For far too long, the Biden administration’s anti-American energy policies stifled American energy production and burdened western communities,” commented Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis “I applaud President Trump’s decision to restore common-sense energy policies that will unleash our nation’s vast natural resources and create good-paying jobs while strengthening America’s energy independence and national security. The west has long been ready to lead America’s energy renaissance, and the Trump administration’s commitment to removing regulatory barriers will benefit not just our region, but all Americans who deserve affordable, reliable energy.“
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson said, “President Trump’s announcement smartly helps preserve affordable, reliable electricity for families and businesses across the Pacific Northwest,” Matheson said. “Hydroelectric power is the reason the lights stay on in the region. And as demand for electricity surges across the nation, preserving access to always-available energy resources like hydropower is absolutely crucial. We appreciate the administration’s continuing commitment to smart energy policies and unleashing American energy.”
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NAWG/White House
