Northwest Energy Security Act

This measure keeps the federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers running under a 2020 plan that focuses on how the dams are operated, maintained, and set up. It tells the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to follow that 2020 decision, instead of newer proposals that emphasize wild fish restoration, unless Congress says otherwise. The plan covers dams in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho.

Agencies may change parts of the plan only if all agree it’s needed for public safety, to keep the electric grid reliable, or because a requirement is no longer needed. Any move that would cut power generation at these dams or limit barge traffic on the Snake River must be specifically approved by a new federal law. Routine upkeep and needed upgrades can still go forward.

• Who is affected: Northwest families and businesses that use hydropower, shippers on the Snake River, and the federal dam operators.
• What changes: Locks operations to the 2020 plan; blocks actions that reduce power output or limit navigation unless Congress passes a new law; allows changes for safety or grid reliability .
• When: Upon enactment, using the 2020 Columbia River System Operations decision as the guide.