Ryan Zinke Fixes the Dam Problem - House Approves Zinke's Clark Canyon and Gibson Hydro-Dam Bills, Zinke Urges Quick Passage in Senate

Press Release

Today and yesterday the House passed two hydro-electric dam bills introduced by Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, H.R. 2080 (To reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving Clark Canyon Dam) and H.R. 2081 (To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project involving the Gibson Dam). Zinke introduced the legislation in April 2015; Senators Daines and Tester introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The Clark Canyon bill, H.R. 2080, passed unanimously on Monday evening under suspension of the rules; the Gibson bill (H.R. 2081) passed on a widely bipartisan vote 409--2 on Tuesday. Zinke also spoke on the House floor in support of the bills. His speeches can be watched here: Clark Canyon or Gibson. (Transcripts follow the release.)

Both the Clark Canyon and Gibson dams were approved to be converted to hydro-electric dams years ago, and would generate clean and reliable electricity for residents across southwest Montana and Idaho, and central Montana, respectively. The Clark Canyon dam was permitted in 2009 and has had to extend their license twice in 2011 and 2013 due to delays at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The USFWS has essentially killed the project by putting it through unwarranted bureaucratic delays.

Rep. Zinke said of the two bills, "It is ridiculous that it takes an Act of Congress -- multiple Acts of Congress -- to build eco-friendly infrastructure projects that would deliver affordable and reliable electricity to residents in Montana and Idaho. These bureaucratic delays are unacceptable. While unelected bureaucrats sit in their offices in comfortable government jobs, residents near the Sun River and Beaverhead River are stuck in limbo, not knowing if good-paying jobs will come through, or if they will see some relief in energy prices. Montana has an enormous role to play in North American energy independence, and I believe an all-of-the-above energy approach must include hydro-power. I'm happy my colleagues on both sides of the aisle helped pass these bills today, and I hope Senators Tester and Daines are able to rally their colleagues in the Senate for quick passage."

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