Washington governor opposes House bill on Snake River dams

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is opposed to a bill introduced by Republican U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers that would reduce spill over Columbia and Snake river dams, and prevent the breaching of four Snake River dams in eastern Washington state.

In a letter to leaders of the House Natural Resources Committee and the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans, the Democratic governor this week said the bill would harm "ongoing efforts to improve future salmon and dam management."

"I am committed to preserving the benefits of our hydropower dams in a manner that is in balance with protecting and restoring salmon," said Inslee, who urged lawmakers to oppose the bill.