Jaime Herrera Beutler Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Promote Hydropower Energy as Congress Shapes Federal Energy Plan
Clean affordable energy source vital to Southwest Washington economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 10, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Jaime Herrera Beutler reintroduced a bipartisan resolution urging Congress to recognize hydroelectric power as a source of clean, renewable energy.
Jaime’s resolution to promote hydroelectric power is cosponsored by Democrat and Republican representatives from across Washington state including Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA).
As the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee prepares to introduce a comprehensive federal energy plan, Jaime continues to advocate for not only including hydroelectric power as a central component of our nation’s energy strategy, but also defining it as a renewable energy source.
The resolution reads:
“Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that hydroelectric power is the most abundant source of clean, renewable energy in the United Sates and should be fully utilized in the Nation’s pursuit of energy independence and affordable energy for all people of the United States.”
“Hydropower is the emission-free fuel that keeps Washington state’s economy running. We need to keep it that way,” said Jaime. “Decade after decade, affordable, carbon-free hydropower energy has continued to draw employers to Southwest Washington. As this Congress shapes an energy blueprint for our entire nation, it should recognize hydro for the critical and renewable energy source that it is.”
Hydropower facts:
Hydropower is an emission-free, domestic energy source.
Hydropower accounts for 78% of power produced in Washington state.
In 2013, Washington had the lowest residential electricity prices in the nation.
In 2012 the Bonneville Dam generated 5, 577, 181 megawatt hours. The average amount generated at any one time at the dam was 636 megawatts. The full capacity at the dam is 1227 megawatts at any one time.
One megawatt powers 673.8 homes, so that means that the Bonneville dam generated enough power in 2012 to power 428,536.8 Pacific Northwest homes.
Hydropower ratepayers have funded extensive habitat restoration projects resulting in record salmon returns.
The Columbia and Snake River Hydropower systems also provide flood control, irrigation, and navigation.
