The Snake River dams are killing salmon. Time for them to go | Opinion

Dams on Snake must be removed

Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s recent remarks on the Lower Snake River dams and claim that dam removal would be “going backward” ignores decades of research showing that restoring a free-flowing Lower Snake River is essential to recovering Columbia Basin salmon populations.

Large dams are no longer being built in the U.S. In fact, they are being removed, especially in the Northwest, with a 100% success rate in improving fish runs.

These four dams are not irreplaceable. They produce about 3% of the region’s energy, mostly in the spring when demand is low, and studies show their output can be replaced with cleaner, more seasonally appropriate alternatives like solar energy. Barge traffic on the river has dropped 50% since the 1990s, despite large subsidies, and expanded rail infrastructure will offer a competitive alternative. Irrigation needs can be met with a restored river.

If we are to “think boldly,” as Secretary Wright suggests, we must move forward, not backward, by breaching the four Lower Snake River dams and replacing their services with available alternatives. A free-flowing Lower Snake River will be a rafting and paddling paradise, a hiking destination with trails along a finally healthy river and a mecca for salmon fishing.

Stan Kuick, Richland

Blaming polluters won’t fix climate

In his guest opinion of May 16, Steve Ghan indicates that in a recent executive order, federal agencies should, “ignore economic damage caused by climate change when writing regulations.”

The “social cost of carbon” and anything else is part of any decision involving energy generation, weighed by costs (including social and environmental impacts) versus benefits. What may get ignored in the regulations and by the market are projections of social costs of carbon not deemed realistic.

Economic studies defining the social cost of carbon tend to ignore offsetting benefits of CO2 and the electricity generated.

The article says we must not forget “… the impact of U.S. CO2 emissions on sea level, mountain snowpack, wildfires and hurricanes.” So, if “polluters” pay an ever-increasing annual carbon tax, how much will these events be mitigated? (Answer: not a measurable amount)

And at what cost? (Answer: electricity rates will triple. Look at California, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, etc.)

Washington state is going down this same path with the Horse Heaven wind/solar farm in Benton County. And what will the social cost of this now expensive, non-dispatchable electricity for middle America be? (Answer: a lower standard of living.)

Craig Brown, Richland

Minorities face troubling times

These are troubling times for all freedom-loving Americans, and particularly for racial minorities. Within 100 days, President Trump’s administration has set back the civil rights gains by decades. Evidenced by the elimination of DEI programs and monuments, support of White supremacy groups, mass deportation of racial minority migrants, censorship of books and attacking free speech. All are acts of dismantling the freedoms, values and rights that have defined America’s exceptionalism.

It appears that making America great again (MAGA) is the return to the days of slavery when Black peoples’ labor was free, and they legally had no rights that a White person was bound to respect.

Now, this contempt of freedom for Blacks has spread to include the poor and middle-class Whites who now struggle to maintain their relatively privileged lifestyles. Obviously, profit and greed (capitalism, the system) have appetites that must be fed even if they consume the middle-class and our democracy.

Sen. Bernie Sanders and others have called for those opposing Trump’s current policies to unite and peacefully fight back before it’s too late. History has provided various approaches to combat governmental injustices, including the Civil Rights Movement and the American Revolution. Organize and fight back, now.

Dallas Barnes, Pasco

Homelessness is rising alarmingly

Homelessness in the Tri-Cities, particularly in Benton and Franklin counties, is increasing at an alarming rate, creating both a housing crisis and a public health concern. Many individuals experiencing homelessness face untreated mental health issues and a lack of access to essential healthcare.

Since 2013, the number of homeless individuals has consistently increased, outpacing the statewide average. According to the Tri-City Herald, local shelters are overwhelmed, operating at or near full capacity. Additionally, access to mental health services remains limited, with significant barriers for families seeking youth care.

A 2023 report from the City of Kennewick highlights the lack of integrated services combining housing and healthcare, which are essential for stabilizing those facing chronic homelessness. In response, Benton County is transforming the former Kennewick General Hospital into recovery apartments and mental health facilities, with a $1.2 million investment aimed at improving access for those struggling with addiction and mental health.

However, these initiatives must be expanded since investments in supportive housing and mobile mental health units can significantly improve lives and enhance public safety. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving elected officials, service agencies and community advocacy to integrate housing with healthcare. This helps better the community.

Devlyn Tobin, Benton City

Dan: Don’t back cuts to Medicaid

To Rep. Dan Newhouse:

Please do not support the budget reconciliation plan put forth by House leaders. It would force nearly 9 million people off Medicaid over the next decade and slash SNAP benefits for millions to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.

Push back on any policy that would harm putting food on the table for more than 40 million Americans (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). Ensure that Medicaid, a federal health insurance program that provides free or low-cost health care for 1 in 5 people in the US, stays fully funded and available to those who need it.

I believe you have the courage to stand up for the most vulnerable in our state and nation.

Barbara Puigh, Richland

Trump’s reign is dumpster fire

President Trump wants to reign as king, proclaiming his decrees via executive actions. His cabinet is composed of sycophants and incompetents who harm our freedoms and health.

Where to begin? How about RFK Jr., secretary of Health and Human Services? If your child’s teeth become riddled with cavities due to fluoride removal from drinking water, then blame him.

That we are having a measles outbreak among unvaccinated children and that he is not actively promoting vaccination is mind-blowing. And you could probably swim with him in a sewage-contaminated creek and drink raw milk with him afterward. Yippee.

What does the Department of Health and Human Services do? It is responsible for overseeing public health policy, including managing Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program and addressing public health emergencies. It funds and conducts research in medicine and public health.

Kennedy has none of the necessary qualifications to run this department. He does have lots of public health conspiracies and promotes vaccine misinformation. Obviously, that is good enough for Trump to give him the position as head of DHHS as the reward for supporting his presidential campaign.

Amy Small, Richland