FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2025
Contact:
Madison Hardy
Janessa Tolman
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement today celebrating President Trump’s move to undo the Biden administration’s disastrous “Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative.”
The Biden administration’s one-sided, backroom agreement blatantly disregarded the essential role the lower Snake River dams play and the Idaho communities that rely on them,” said Risch. “Today’s announcement by President Trump represents a return to sound science and common-sense. I’ve long fought the attempts by radical Democrats, unelected bureaucrats, and activist litigants to tear down our dams. Congress authorized these dams, and only Congress has the power to remove them.”
BACKGROUND
The four hydroelectric dams on the lower Snake River provide multiple benefits to Idaho and the region, including:
- Transportation of agricultural products, including more than 15 million metric tons of wheat in 2020 with nearly 10% of all U.S. wheat moving out on the Snake River alone;
- $686 million in jobs and businesses associated with Idaho’s Port of Lewiston, the furthest inland port on the West Coast;
- A 95% emission-free power portfolio generated by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), allowing small public utilities across the Northwest to lead in clean energy production;
- Clean, always-on energy that can uniquely keep the lights on during extreme weather events where relying on wind and solar would cause blackouts; and
- Irrigation
Risch has been a staunch defender of the lower Snake River dams and introduced the Northwest Energy Security Act to protect the operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System.
Following the release of the agreement, approved by the Biden administration on December 14, 2023, Risch chastised the Biden administration’s dam breaching efforts and its failure to consult Idahoans who rely on the Columbia River System.
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch proudly represents the people of Idaho in the United States Senate. He currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Risch previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
