ID SJM103

Idaho Legislature opposes removal or breaching of dams on the Columbia-Snake River System and its tributaries, asserting state sovereignty over water resources within Idaho.

Four lower Snake River dams produce 1,000 megawatts of annual carbon-free renewable energy and 3,000 megawatts for peak power emergencies, providing electricity to 22 rural Idaho utilities serving more than 140,000 residents.

Approximately 10 percent of all U.S. wheat exports are barged through the four Snake River dams, with about 50 percent of Idaho-grown wheat barged from the Port of Lewiston to Portland and export markets.

Public Power Council assessment indicates the recent federal settlement agreement could result in rate increases of 5 to 40 percent or more for Northwest communities and businesses if implemented.

Legislature prohibits water contributions from Idaho's reservoirs for flow augmentation except as expressly authorized by state law and requires that anadromous fish recovery efforts be science-based.