<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Wednesday,  October 30 , 2024

Linkedin Pinterest
Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Breaching dams can halt extinction

The Columbian
Published: July 31, 2011, 5:00pm

Don Brunell’s July 19 column in the Business section, “Science, not politics should dictate energy solutions,” relies on fear-mongering, not facts. Rolling brownouts are not on our horizon. In fact, this spring, the Northwest had too much energy — some sources like wind and fossil fuel plants were actually shut down. Our region could not use all the energy produced.

When it comes to Columbia Basin salmon and energy, Brunell ought to heed his own advice and allow scientific and economic information to carry the day. Salmon are, in fact, at grave risk today. Thirteen Columbia Basin populations remain endangered, including all four remaining Snake River stocks. This imperils a nutritious food source, weakens our tourism economy, and leaves fishing communities struggling for survival.

Hundreds of scientists support the removal of four costly dams on the lower Snake River as the best and perhaps only way to protect salmon from extinction. Contrary to Brunell’s claims, replacement of this energy with clean, salmon-friendly alternatives is no mystery. Energy experts have determined that we can remove these dams and replace their energy with clean sources without raising bills.

Given the choice, I’ll go with the real experts.

Gary Johnson

Raymond

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter
Loading...