H.R. 2073 would lock the Pacific Northwest into outdated infrastructure that harms salmon, fishing economies, and Tribal Nations while undermining our regional energy future. Instead of solving real challenges, it doubles down on a failed status quo and blocks pathways toward solutions.

TELL CONGRESS TO OPPOSE H.R. 2073! 

WHAT’S AT STAKE

If passed, H.R. 2073 would:

  • Ban federal funding for studying dam service replacement projects, even if they create new economic opportunities, modernize energy infrastructure, or provide transportation alternatives.

  • Prohibit studies of Lower Snake River dam removal despite repeated federal and independent science showing breaching is essential to Snake River salmon recovery.

  • Restrict critical dam repairs and modifications; vague language could even prevent spillway gate repairs, navigational lock maintenance, or climate-driven operations changes.

  • Undermine agency roles and responsibilities, creating confusion between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (dam owners) and Bonneville Power Administration (power marketers).

THE THREAT

Salmon & Steelhead: Thirteen Columbia and Snake River salmon stocks are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Many runs hover near extinction.

Tribal Rights: The four Lower Columbia River Treaty Tribes reserved their fishing rights in treaties signed in 1855. H.R. 2073 threatens those rights and food sovereignty.

Orcas & Ecosystems: Critically endangered Southern Resident orcas and over 130 other species depend on healthy salmon runs from the Columbia Basin.

Communities & Jobs: Recreational and commercial fishers, and the communities that rely on them, struggle to make ends meet with poor salmon returns.

Energy Security: Over-reliance on hydropower limits our ability to respond to extreme weather, load growth, and the urgent need to deploy new renewable energy sources.

THE REAL SOLUTION

Instead of H.R. 2073, Congress should:

  • Restore capacity at federal agencies that support salmon recovery and modern infrastructure.

  • Advance the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI), the only comprehensive plan that balances salmon recovery, clean energy, transportation, agriculture, and Tribal justice.

The bottom line is H.R. 2073 ignores reality and blocks solutions. Congress must reject this bill and support collaborative, science-based approaches like the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative to secure a just, sustainable future for salmon, orcas, and people across the Northwest.

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