Dams’ electricity already being replaced by wind, solar

Kurt Miller’s recent commentary about the importance of hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest’s future is egregiously anthropocentric and therefore misleading (“Hydro remains key to our next ‘Great Electrification,’” The Herald, March 25.

First, the claim that hydroelectric dams create “clean” energy is simply wrong. Dams have destroyed the Columbia River, the upper Skagit River, the lower Snake River, and driven to near extinction most of these rivers’ salmon runs.

Second, the Inslee-Murray report does not preclude removing the Snake River dams; rather, it concludes that the dams must be removed once appropriate infrastructure can be built to replace the energy and transportation currently provided by the dams.

Third, the Bonneville Power Administration is losing money from its dam operations because of abundant and much cheaper solar and wind energy. The electric energy generated by the Snake River dams is no longer necessary and can be easily replaced.

Finally, and most importantly, advocates for replacing the Snake River dams urge a holistic, rather than an anthropocentric, approach to energy projects. Yes, our “second electrification” is, as Miller asserts, now humanity’s “greatest challenge.” But we musty face this challenge with respect for all life on this terribly abused planet, and fulfill our future energy needs appropriately.

Michael W. Shurgot

Seattle