The Idaho Statesman reported yesterday on the the responses it received from the leading presidential candidates on the four lower Snake River Dams. From the article:
“Sen. McCain supports preserving the role of the Snake River dams first, for energy security, and second because of climate change,” said Crystal Benton, a campaign spokeswoman. “Electric power from these dams is part of the solution for both.”
OK, that is definitely expected. But what about Mr Let’s-Change-the-World-Together Barack Obama?
Obama seeks balance
Obama said the Columbia and Snake River basins are important economic, energy and ecological resources for the country.
“Implementing a meaningful salmon population recovery plan will be a key environmental priority of my administration, and I support efforts to create a salmon recovery plan that balances all of these important environmental, agricultural and renewable energy interests,” he said in a statement. As president, he’d work with the region to enact a restoration plan.
So what about dam breaching?
“Barack Obama believes action must be taken to protect the salmon population and ensure its survival for generations to come,” said Nick Shapiro, an Obama spokesman. “To that end, he believes all efforts to restore habitat must be exhausted before dam breaching is considered.”
News flash: The area behind the lower four Snake River dams is the most intact spring chinook habitat in the lower 48. I know I’m harsh on Obama but in my opinion he talks a good game about change but if you sit down and look at the policies . . . well, they disapoint to say the least.
Clinton blames Bush
Clinton said President Bush has done little to help salmon during the past seven years, said Isaac Baker, a Clinton campaign spokesman.
“Sen. Clinton will make every effort to restore wild salmon stocks,” Baker said. “While she does not at this time favor breaching dams, she will place a far greater emphasis on habitat restoration.”
The fish slide toward extinction. The science is clear so when would the time be to consider breaching?
Here’s a map of the habitat behind the dams for your enjoyment. Note the large contiguous wilderness areas in the watershed. The largest in the lower 48. There probably isn’t any suitable habitat in there.
As I’ve said before, I’m getting swept away on a sea of change. I just hope I can recognize our country once Barack or Hillary get done with all they change they’ll bring.
Effing effers