Snake River Dam Study Finds Removal Won't Hurt Economy

Four massive dams on the Lower Snake River have blocked salmon migrations and disrupted Tribal communities for decades, but many feared removing them would devastate local jobs and power supplies. A comprehensive new study just proved those fears wrong.

Headwaters Economics analyzed what would happen if the dams near Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington came down. The results surprised even the researchers: dam removal wouldn't hurt the local economy and might actually help it grow.

The two counties surrounding the dams have been struggling economically for over 20 years, despite prosperity elsewhere in the region. Population growth has stalled, with 73% of new residents being retirees over 65. The counties attract new working-age residents at less than half the rate of neighboring areas.

Here's the eye-opener: the dams aren't driving the local economy anyway. Government, healthcare, and manufacturing are the biggest employers, accounting for 42% of jobs with zero connection to the dams. The sectors actually tied to dam operations, like utilities and transportation, haven't grown in two decades.

Researchers studied 24 dam removals across America and found something remarkable. Communities that removed dams saw per capita income grow 2% higher and non-labor income grow 8% higher than communities that kept their dams.

The electricity question has a clearer answer than most people think. The four dams generate about 10-12% of the regional power supply, but wind, solar, and nuclear projects already under construction nationwide can easily replace that output. Rate increases would be modest, around $1 to $2 per month for households.

The Bright Side

The best part? Renewable energy projects that replace dam power would actually benefit local communities more than the dams do now. Federal dams send their revenue to Washington D.C., but solar and wind farms generate tax money for local governments and lease payments for landowners who host them.

The study recommends creating a regional transition fund to help communities adapt, plus community-owned renewable projects that keep energy dollars local. Energy efficiency programs could create jobs while cutting costs for residents and businesses.

Twenty-four communities across America have already made this transition successfully by planning early and building on local strengths. Idaho and Washington communities now have a roadmap showing them it's possible to restore wild salmon runs, honor Tribal treaty rights, and build stronger local economies at the same time.