Pacific Northwest Economic Region supports hydro energy bill
Pacific NorthWest Economic Region delegates gave unanimous support to U.S. Senate Bill 1521, which is co-sponsored by Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines and Washington Democrat Sen. Marie Cantwell.
Mike Cuffe, Montana state senator from Lincoln County, brought the letter of support during the PNWER business meeting Monday, July 16 in Boise Idaho.
SB 1521, called the Community and Hydropower Improvement Act has garnered broad support from a range of supporters including industry leaders, tribal organizations and conservationists who recognize its potential to strengthen and advance hydropower production while promoting environmental stewardship and reliable energy generation.
Updates in the bill include streamlining the licensing process, improving coordination among agencies, setting better transparency procedures, expanding hydropower resources and contributing to a clean, reliable, resilient grid with nationwide benefits.
“This is a very important step to ensure clean, reliable, resilient and affordable energy generation across the region. It will promote U.S. energy security and sustainability,” Cuffe said. The senator representing Lincoln County has served two terms as president of PNWER, an international association of legislators with the reputation of the gold standard in Canada-U.S. relations.
On the opening morning Monday, current PNWER President Chuck Winder, Idaho senate leader, led a major discussion on energy security, and Idaho Gov. Brad Little welcomed the 500 legislators, business leaders and decision makers to Boise.
The event opened with a robust discussion on cross border issues by several U.S. and Canadian ambassadors, moderated by MaryScott Greenwood, executive director of Canadian American Business Council.
Former Montana Sen. John Brenden sang the Canadian national anthem, and 21 other Montanans are attending the Summit, several with panel discussion roles.
The delegate from the Montana House is Steve Galloway. PNWER includes Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon and Northwest Territories.
The event finishes on Thursday.