Bill > HR2073

This bill, called the "Defending our Dams Act," aims to prevent the use of federal funds for breaching, altering, studying, or removing four specific dams located on the Lower Snake River in Washington state: Ice Harbor Dam, Lower Monumental Dam, Little Goose Dam, and Lower Granite Dam. The legislation prohibits any federal spending that would lead to dam removal or functional alteration, including technical assistance or studies related to replacing the dams' power generation, flood control, or navigation capabilities. Additionally, the bill restricts the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Engineers from conducting spillage operations (water release strategies) on these dams without joint approval from the Secretary and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration, who must consider the broader Columbia River System operations when making such decisions. By introducing these prohibitions, the bill seeks to protect the existing infrastructure and prevent any potential dismantling of these critical hydroelectric and infrastructure assets.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2073/all-info