Defending our Dams Act

This bill blocks the federal government from using any money to breach, change, or even study removing or altering the four Lower Snake River dams in Washington: Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. It also stops federal agencies from offering technical help for dam removal or studying how to replace the dams’ power, flood control, or navigation benefits.

It adds a special rule for spilling water over these dams: the Army Corps of Engineers cannot do spillage operations unless both the Secretary of the Army and the head of the Bonneville Power Administration approve, and they must consider all operations across the Columbia River System when deciding.

• Who is affected: Federal agencies, including the Army Corps and Bonneville Power Administration; communities and industries connected to the Lower Snake River dams in Washington.
• What changes: No federal funds for dam breaching, alteration, or related studies; spillage needs high-level approval with system-wide review.
• When: These rules would apply if and when the bill becomes law.