PUD Board Supports Northwest Dams

July 10, 2007

Columbia River PUD's Board of Directors has passed a resolution proclaiming that, "Columbia River PUD supports the clean, renewable hydropower system in the Northwest and opposes further changes in dams or operations that are not science-based or cost-effective."

The resolution is part of a regional, year-long campaign called Green Dams, Blue Skies. The goal of the campaign is to communicate the benefits of having a clean, reliable and low-cost energy resource here in the Northwest.

"Many of our customers don't realize the essential economic contribution the hydropower system makes to the region's economy," said PUD Board President Loren Tarbell.

"Even small changes to river operations can have a big impact on electricity generation, irrigation, transportation, fishing and fish and wildlife conservation." Tarbell cited some of the hydropower system's important contributions in the region:

• Over 60% of the Northwest's electricity comes from clean, renewable hydro power, which does not contribute to climate change.
• The hydro system helps support the development of new renewable resources like wind and solar power.
• Northwest dams support river transportation keeping 700,000 trucks off highways annually.
• Irrigation supported by northwest dams contributes to a $60 billion agriculture industry annually.
• Revenues from electricity sales provide direct investments of over $350 million annually to support the fish and wildlife restoration projects.

The Green Dams, Blue Skies campaign is sponsored by Northwest RiverPartners, a coalition of utilities, businesses and farmers joined together to ensure that the Columbia and Snake Rivers remain living, working rivers. To learn more about NW RiverPartners or to sign a pledge of support for Green Dams, Blue Skies, visit www.nwriverpartners.org.