[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCING THE ``SALMON SOLUTIONS AND PLANNING ACT''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2014

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, American taxpayers and Pacific Northwest 
ratepayers have little to show for the more than $11 billion they have 
spent on salmon recovery efforts in the Columbia and Snake River Basin. 
Since being listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act in 
the early 1990s, most of the thirteen native salmon and steelhead 
species remain near the depressed levels that triggered their protected 
status in the first place.
  The value of these fish populations is undeniable, holding major 
economic, environmental and cultural significance to the Pacific 
Northwest. Even now, at their historically low levels, salmon add over 
a billion dollars to the region's economy and constitute a vital part 
of communities throughout the Northwest.
  While continuing our efforts to protect salmon and steelhead 
populations is critical, it is clear that our current approach is not 
working. Over twenty years and $11 billion later, their vulnerable 
status remains virtually unchanged. Four Biological Opinions have been 
rejected by the courts as insufficient for fish survival. Last month's 
latest BiOp represents little change from the previous version, stoking 
the possibility of renewed court challenges.
  It's time to reevaluate our failed efforts and consider the best 
approach forward, including the possibility of removing four dams on 
the lower Snake River. Last century, over 1,100 dams were removed 
throughout the country. Last month marked the start of the removal of 
yet another dam: the Rockford Dam on Iowa's Shell Rock River is being 
breached, among other reasons, to restore fish passage to 21.5 miles of 
the river. The legislation I am re-introducing today, the Salmon 
Solutions and Planning Act, commissions studies to focus our efforts so 
that all factors are taken into account when considering dam removal. 
Our salmon recovery efforts must be informed, cost effective, and 
successful.
  Inaction is not an option. We must use the best available science to 
protect this vital American resource before it's too late.

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