Capitalism frequently grapples with saving money over saving nature, but what if one choice could be fiscally and environmentally responsible? Our region faces such a solution.
The Snake River, which flows into the Columbia River, boasts 15 dams for largely hydroelectric uses. The four lower Snake River dams, however, prevent endangered chinook salmon from reaching critical spawning grounds. High temperatures in the past two years have obliterated lower-river basin spawning habitat and, thus, chinook returns have hit unprecedented lows. Experts predict Columbia chinook extinction by 2018. Commercial fishing will likely fall into major decline.
Our endangered southern resident orca whale population relies primarily on Columbia basin chinook for food. Since their endangered species listing in 2005, more than 40 orcas have died due to conditions in which they might have survived had there been adequate salmon supply. Their extinction would equal nearly $34 million in lost revenue annually in eco-tourism.
Furthermore, we are in a power surplus wherein removing the four lower dams would not cause power deficits. However, their continued upkeep wastes taxpayer money as the return is only 15 cents on every dollar spent.
Are we willing to suffer the economic and environmental repercussions that come with doing nothing?