Columbia River hearings

The co-lead agencies doing this EIS did a very thorough job, looking at all the objectives and measures. There are five alternatives, including the status quo. My objection isn’t about the work that went into this process. It is quite extensive and involved.

I do object, however, that they aren’t holding public hearings after the coronavirus pandemic is over. Instead, they are currently inviting phone-in comments. This is a very important issue for the entire Columbia River System that affects not only Washington, but Idaho, Montana and Oregon.

Alternative MO3 (breaching the lower four Snake River dams) clearly shows that it is best for salmon, Native American cultures, and orcas. However, it is not the preferred alternative, which places inexpensive electricity above all the other objectives.

We need public hearings on these issues. People aren’t paying attention and are understandably distracted by the coronavirus now.

Carol Colpitts

Deer Park