A recent article in The Columbian (“U.S.: Dams devastated tribes, fish,” June 19) puts a much-needed spotlight on the fact that the issue of breaching the four Lower Snake River dams is not being fully and honestly considered by those who oppose breaching.
Those who oppose breaching look only at money, exaggerating the cost to replace the dams’ services (electricity, wheat barging, irrigation) and, unsurprisingly, deciding that the dams must stay.
But the real question is: Do we honor our laws and agreements or not? They ignore the fact that the dams violate both U.S. tribal treaties and also the Endangered Species Act. We cannot look back on a treaty and say, “Well, turns out it might cost us some money so we’re not going to honor it. But thanks for the 63 million acres of land.”
The dams provide just 4 percent of the Northwest power grid. Solar will be cheaper than maintaining the aged turbines. There are also, luckily, good options regarding wheat shipping and irrigation.
