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119-hr-626119th CongressWALLET

Northwest Energy Security Act

Sponsored By: Representative Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]

In Committee

Summary

Locks operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System to the 2020 Columbia River System Operations Record of Decision. It would also bar changes that cut hydroelectric generation or limit Snake River navigation unless Congress enacts a new law and sets a narrow amendment path for agency leaders to follow.

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  • Federal water and power managers would be required to run the FCRPS consistent with the reasonable and prudent alternative in the September 2020 Record of Decision.
  • The Secretaries of the Interior, Energy, and the Army would have sole discretion to amend operations, but only to address public safety, transmission and grid reliability, or when requirements are no longer warranted, using a defined amendment process that must remain consistent with that alternative.
  • Structural changes, actions, studies, or engineering plans that would restrict electrical generation at FCRPS dams or limit navigation on the Snake River in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho could not proceed without a new federal statute.
  • The bill preserves agency authority to perform operation and maintenance and to make capital improvements needed to meet authorized project purposes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Keep Northwest hydropower and navigation

If enacted, this bill would require federal agencies to run the Federal Columbia River Power System like the 2020 plan. They could change it only if all three Secretaries agree it is needed for public safety or grid reliability, or if old requirements no longer make sense, and any change would still need to align with that plan. It would block any plan, study, or construction that cuts dam power output or limits Snake River navigation unless Congress later passes a new law. Routine operations, repairs, and needed capital upgrades for authorized purposes could still proceed. These rules would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]

WA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]

    WA • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2]

    OR • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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