In a decisive move, President Donald J. Trump has annulled the Biden Administration’s memorandum titled “Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin,” a policy perceived to threaten stable energy resources.
Support for President Trump’s action is robust, echoing from key administration officials, Congressional members, and industry leaders:
Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum: “This administration will not idly watch as American energy faces jeopardy. Our commitment is unwavering in maintaining energy that is affordable, reliable, and produced on American soil. President Trump’s decisive revocation today puts a stop to a policy that could have endangered four vital hydroelectric dams serving communities along the Snake River. The present moment is not suited for the dismantling of American energy; rather, we are focused on keeping the lights on, costs manageable, and prioritizing the American populace.”
Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright: “The Snake River Dams have been pivotal for the Pacific Northwest, supplying high-quality electricity to millions of American households and businesses for decades. By reversing the previous administration’s costly and ill-conceived energy subtraction policies, President Trump is reinstating rationality into our energy landscape. We will not squander taxpayer dollars on dismantling crucial infrastructure or on extreme policies that inflate costs for American families.”
Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick: “For a prolonged period, America’s energy potential has been sidelined, shackled by politicized initiatives that bear no relation to genuine conservation efforts, harming our farmers, fishers, and producers. Today’s actions by President Trump will ensure families access dependable, affordable energy while rethinking our environmental safeguards.”
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, D. Lee Forsgren: “With President Trump’s leadership, the Army Corps is enthusiastic about collaborating with our federal partners to advance America’s energy supremacy while managing flood risks, navigation, hydropower generation, and recreational benefits for the Pacific Northwest and the broader nation.”
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chief of Staff, Katherine Scarlett: “President Trump has once again demonstrated his dedication to unleashing American energy dominance, prioritizing policies that benefit everyday citizens. The Council on Environmental Quality is prepared to coordinate with agencies to save millions of federal dollars that would have been wasted on misguided policies that obstruct the growth of reliable energy sources.”
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (ID): “President Trump is reaffirming his commitment to listen to the voices of those on the ground and the empirical science supporting the current state of the dams. The Biden Administration’s proposal was flawed from the outset, disregarding congressional authority and the insights of regional stakeholders. A collaborative approach is essential for salmon recovery, involving both public and private entities.”
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (MT): “The Snake River Dams are crucial for agricultural production, reliable energy, and transportation. The Biden Memorandum was an ill-conceived attempt to breach the dams in a bid to placate radical environmental groups, with Montana communities bearing the brunt. I appreciate President Trump’s leadership in rescinding this detrimental policy and his consistent support for Montana-centric priorities.”
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (WY): “The anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration stifled energy production and burdened western communities for far too long. I commend President Trump’s decision to reinstate sensible energy policies that will unleash our nation’s abundant natural resources and create quality jobs, bolstering America’s energy independence and national security. The West is poised to spearhead America’s energy renaissance, and the Trump administration’s commitment to dismantling regulatory obstacles will benefit all Americans seeking affordable and dependable energy.”
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (ID): “The Biden administration’s backroom agreements disregarded the crucial role of the lower Snake River dams and the communities in Idaho reliant on them. President Trump’s announcement today signifies a return to sound science and common sense. I have long opposed the radical efforts by Democrats and activist litigants intent on dismantling our dams. Congress authorized these dams, and only Congress has the authority to remove them.”
U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz (OR-02): “For over three decades, I have fought to safeguard the invaluable Columbia River hydropower system. The Biden Administration’s attempts to undermine this system through questionable environmental law manipulations were evident in their memorandum. Thankfully, President Trump has annulled this detrimental policy, providing a solid foundation for the protection of the Four Lower Snake River dams. This action aligns perfectly with our nation’s pursuit of artificial intelligence supremacy and energy dominance. The citizens and particularly the ratepayers of the Northwest are immensely grateful for this decision.”
U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “President Trump’s decision to revoke the misguided 2023 Biden memorandum, which quietly laid the groundwork for breaching the Lower Snake River dams, halts a concerning effort to circumvent Congress. I commend this decision for its clear response to those of us who urged the administration to halt this reckless attempt to dismantle vital infrastructure in the West!”
U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04): “Throughout my congressional tenure, I have staunchly supported the Lower Snake River Dams, recognizing their critical role in our region’s economy. President Trump’s action today counters the attempts by the Biden administration and extreme environmentalists to jeopardize these dams, which would have destabilized our power grid, increased energy costs, and devastated our grain export capabilities. I appreciate the President’s decisive move to protect our dams and look forward to continuing cooperation with the administration for the benefit of the Fourth District.”
Idaho Lt. Governor, Scott Bedke: “The Lower Snake River dams are integral to Idaho’s way of life, providing irrigation, energy, and market access. The Biden plan threatened all of this without adequate input from those who would shoulder the consequences. President Trump is correct in terminating this deal; Idaho stands ready to assist in unleashing America’s energy dominance.”
National Grain and Feed Association, Mike Seyfert, President and CEO: “We commend the Trump administration’s leadership in rescinding the 2023 directives, acknowledging that these dams are vital for transporting U.S. grain and oilseeds to international markets. One barge tow is equivalent to 140 rail cars or 538 trucks – infrastructure that is irreplaceable. Breaching the dams would have caused a ripple effect throughout the U.S. agricultural value chain, negatively impacting exports and the rural economy.”
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Jim Matheson, CEO: “President Trump’s announcement effectively preserves affordable, reliable electricity for families and businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Hydroelectric power is fundamental to keeping the lights on in the region, and as electricity demand escalates nationwide, maintaining access to reliable energy sources like hydropower is essential. We appreciate the administration’s ongoing commitment to prudent energy policies and the promotion of American energy.”
Northwest Public Power Association, Kurt Miller, Executive Director and CEO: “This withdrawal is a vital correction towards enhancing energy reliability, affordability, and transparency.”
Northwest RiverPartners, Clark Mather, Executive Director: “Now is the moment to unite and forge a sustainable path towards effective solutions that protect salmon while ensuring the affordable and reliable hydropower needed by millions in the Pacific Northwest. This politicized agreement from the former administration, which involved only a fraction of impacted sovereign entities, undermined hydropower, the region’s primary source of affordable, clean energy. Northwest RiverPartners is committed to collaborating with all sovereign Tribes, state leaders, and stakeholders to identify scientifically sound, enduring solutions.”
Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Neil Maunu, Executive Director: “The contentious issue of dam breaching has hindered the development of the necessary partnerships to collaboratively work on productive strategies aimed at improving salmon populations for the benefit of all Pacific Northwest residents. We can successfully balance salmon conservation with a thriving economy.”
Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Michelle Hennings, Executive Director: “The livelihoods of Washington wheat growers and rural communities hinge on their ability to harness the key benefits from the Columbia River System, including transportation, irrigation, and dependable energy; without the Lower Snake River dams, this is unfeasible. We look forward to collaborating with the federal government and all policymakers to ensure that dams and salmon can coexist, standing firm in our support for sound science and reliable data to guide informed decisions.”
