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119-s-182119th CongressWALLET

Northwest Energy Security Act

Sponsored By: Senator Risch, James E. [R-ID]

Introduced

Summary

Would lock federal Columbia River operations to the 2020 "reasonable and prudent" plan and centralize authority with three Cabinet Secretaries. The bill ties how the Federal Columbia River Power System is run to the Supplemental Opinion from the 2020 Columbia River System Operations decision, creates a narrow amendment process for public safety or grid reliability, and requires new federal legislation before any action could limit hydroelectric generation or Snake River navigation.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Run Columbia River dams per plan

If enacted, the bill would require agencies to operate the Columbia River power system consistent with the 2020 Supplemental Opinion's recommended plan. If enacted, it would also make clear that routine operation, maintenance, and needed capital upgrades can continue to meet each project's authorized purposes. These rules would take effect when the bill is enacted.

New rules for Columbia River operations

If enacted, the bill would let the three Secretaries jointly amend parts of the 2020 plan only if each Secretary alone finds the change is needed for public safety or grid reliability, or that removed rules are no longer warranted. If enacted, it would also bar any project, study, or engineering plan that would cut dam power or limit Snake River navigation unless Congress passes a new federal law after this bill becomes law.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Risch, James E. [R-ID]

ID • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]

    WY • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

  • Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]

    WY • R

    Sponsored 1/22/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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