• Four dams breached under proposal. 

A proposal to breach the dams on the Snake River in the Columbia Gorge has drawn opposition from Lower Valley Energy. The change would be done to preserve salmon, however the four dams involved serve as power supplies to cooperative in the Pacific Northwest, one of the them, Lower Valley Energy serving Star Valley and Jackson.

LVE released the following statement related to the dams:

“Dams are a crucial source of renewable energy for Lower Valley Energy and the Bonneville Power Administration.

“They provide a multitude of benefits, including flood control, irrigation, and safe passage for boats and barges. Dams also generate renewable, carbon-free electricity, which is essential for meeting the energy needs of the region.

“The importance of low rates and salmon protection cannot be overstated. The dams help to keep the rates low by providing a reliable source of energy. Salmon protection is also a high priority for Lower Valley Energy.

The LVE statement continued, “President/CEO of Lower Valley Energy, Jim Webb, has stated that “salmon protection is a top priority for us. We believe that dams and salmon can coexist, and we are committed to ensuring that they do so.”

“The removal of the four lower snake river dams is a current event that has sparked a lot of debate.

“While some argue that the removal of the dams is necessary to protect the salmon population, others believe that it will have a negative impact on the region’s energy grid.

“Lower Valley Energy will be releasing a series of messages on the importance of hydropower and the rate impacts and reliability impacts of dam removal. It is important to note that dams and alternative energy sources like wind and solar are very good fits for the energy grid.

“They can work together to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for the region.”