House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Doc Hastings (WA-04) issued the following statement today regarding the signing agreements related to Klamath water issues:

“As Ranking Republican of the House Natural Resources Committee, I will use all tools available to ensure that Congress vets this proposal in an open and transparent manner.

“I understand the need to resolve divisive issues in the Klamath basin, yet numerous questions remain about this plan, including why federal taxpayers should be spending one dime to tear out dams owned by a private corporation.

“These are complicated agreements that will result in the loss of clean, renewable hydropower and potentially cost American taxpayers up to $1 billion. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that these agreements will be both cost-effective and beneficial to American taxpayers.

“Once the celebration at this grand signing ceremony is done, then all the parties need to be prepared to fully answer all of the hard questions so the American people can understand exactly what they’re being asked to pay for at a time of soaring budget deficits and near 10 percent unemployment.”

Background

• Read Ranking Member Hastings statement from September 30, 2009 when the draft Klamath dam removal proposal was announced.

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