Jaime Herrera Beutler Welcomes Release of The Columbia River System Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Statement

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler issued the following statement following the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the federal Columbia River System:

"The Columbia River plays such an important role in so many aspects of our lives here in Southwest Washington. This draft Environmental Impact Statement provides a framework to continue producing renewable hydroelectric energy, productive salmon recovery efforts, flood risk management, and the reliable transportation of goods for our region. This EIS is the result of years of federal scientific review and collaboration with regional, state, local, and tribal stakeholders, and I look forward to a final record of decision this fall. Until then, I encourage the public to submit their comments to ensure their voice is heard."

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bonneville Power Administration, issued the Columbia River System Operations EIS. The EIS outlines the impacts of the long-term, coordinated water management functions of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that pertain to their operation, maintenance, and configuration in the federal Columbia River System.

The public comment and review period for the draft EIS is open until April 13, 2020. Public comments may be submitted online or by mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CRSO EIS, P.O. Box 2870, Portland, OR 97208-2870.

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler issued the following statement following the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the federal Columbia River System: "The Columbia River plays such an important role in so many aspects of our lives here in Southwest Washington. This draft Environmental Impact Statement provides a framework to continue producing renewable hydroelectric energy, productive salmon recovery efforts, flood risk management, and the reliable transportation of goods for our region. This EIS is the result of years of federal scientific review and collaboration with regional, state, local, and tribal stakeholders, and I look forward to a final record of decision this fall. Until then, I encourage the public to submit their comments to ensure their voice is heard."

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