Bill · H.R. 2073· House(119-HR-2073)
Defending our Dams Act
- Introduced
- 3/11/2025
- Last activity
- 9/3/2025 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Dan Newhouse
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Defending our Dams Act," aims to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the breach or alteration of the Lower Snake River dams. It specifically prevents funds from being used to study or lead to the removal of these dams, including studies regarding replacements for power, flood control, or navigation. Additionally, the bill restricts spillage operations at these dams. Such operations would now require approval from both the Secretary and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. The dams covered include Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite.
Yes· 3 of 10
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
Maintaining dam infrastructure supports long-term jobs in energy, navigation, and water management.
Does this invest in rural communities?+2
Maintaining dam infrastructure supports the economy and water management of rural river areas.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+2
Preserving the dams maintains current levels of power and navigation critical for regional commerce.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Would Native Americans be better off under this?-7
The restriction on dam removal and water spillage may negatively impact tribal fishing rights and ecosystems.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-5
Restricting spillage and prohibiting removal studies may negatively impact river ecosystems and fish habitats.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-3
By preventing dam removal, the bill likely maintains current hydro-power levels instead of transitioning to different energy sources.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Dam Infrastructure: By prohibiting Federal funds from being used to study or allow the breach or functional alteration of the dams, the bill ensures that these structures remain intact (Section 2(a)). This includes maintaining current levels of power, flood control, or navigation.
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Controlled Water Management: The requirement for approval from both the Secretary and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration for spillage operations adds a layer of oversight to how water is managed (Section 2(b)(1)). This ensures that all Columbia River System operations are considered before such actions are taken (Section 2(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Dam Alteration or Removal: The bill prevents any Federal funding from being used to study or implement the breach or functional alteration of the Lower Snake River dams (Section 2(a)). This includes prohibiting studies intended to find replacements for power, flood control, or navigation (Section 2(a)).
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Limitations on Spillage Operations: The Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, is prohibited from carrying out spillage operations on the specified dams without specific high-level approval (Section 2(b)(1)). This could impact how water levels and flows are managed at the Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite dams (Section 2(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+2Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+1Improves Environmental Protections-5Reduces Carbon Emissions-3Increases Renewable Energy Investment-2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Government Spending-1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Interstate Commerce+1Increases Federal Power+1
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Farmers+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Union Workers+2Good For Native Americans-7
- 9/3/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 8/29/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 3/11/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Cliff BentzRepublican · Oregon
Michael BaumgartnerRepublican · Washington
Russ FulcherRepublican · Idaho