DAMN Act Defending Against Manipulative Negotiators Act
Should this bill be enacted, it would reinforce the federal government's position on river management and dam infrastructure, ensuring that significant funding cannot be allocated for research or technical assistance aimed at their removal or modification. By creating this barrier to federal funding, the bill may effectively nullify ongoing environmental advocacy strategies aimed at restoring natural river ecosystems that have been impacted by these dams. This could provoke debates around water management practices and environmental protections in the Columbia Basin, particularly given the ecological concerns regarding fish populations and habitat disruption.
House Bill 7066, officially titled the 'Defending Against Manipulative Negotiators Act' or the 'DAMN Act,' seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for any activities related to the breach or alteration of the Lower Snake River Dams. Specifically, the bill is designed to halt studies and initiatives that could lead to the dismantling or significant alteration of these dams, which are crucial infrastructures for power generation, flood control, and navigation in the state of Washington. The bill emphasizes protecting these dams from proposals outlined in the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, which have been the subject of legal disputes in lower courts.
The discussions surrounding HB 7066 are expected to be contentious, particularly among stakeholders focusing on environmental conservation versus energy production and infrastructure stability. Proponents of the bill argue that dismantling these dams could have detrimental effects on agricultural and energy sectors that rely on them for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Opponents, however, contend that keeping the dams intact may ignore legitimate ecological issues at stake, including the restoration of salmon populations and other wildlife habitats that might benefit from the removal of dams. This aspect of the bill highlights the ongoing struggle between economic interests and environmental advocacy.