Author: SIMPM_Admin
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Rep. Simpson defends plan to breach Snake River dams, says rising costs could close them down regardless
“My concept is an attempt to recognize the value and benefits of the dams and to replace them. Not to roll the dice and see what someone else comes up with for us.” BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson defended his $33.5 billion plan to breach four dams on the Snake River on Friday, stating that…
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Shoshone-Bannock Tribes voice support for proposed dam removals
BOISE — A member of the Fort Hall Business Council testified before the Idaho Senate Resources and Environment Committee Monday to voice support for a proposal to remove four lower Snake River dams. Fort Hall Business Councilman Nathan Small said the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have opposed the dams since they were built and have petitioned to…
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Speaker Bedke, my door is always open
Speaker Scott Bedke’s recent comments and questions about my concept to end the Northwest salmon, dam and energy wars caught my attention. As a former speaker of the Idaho House, I have great respect for Speaker Bedke. No one agrees with each other 100 percent of the time, but I count Scott as a friend,…
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Kudos for two courageous Republican legislators
Back in the old days, when Republicans were more interested in working to solve problems than in partisan point scoring, they were able to do important things. That old can-do spirit was recently displayed by two GOP legislators — Congressman Mike Simpson and state Sen. Jim Guthrie — who deserve kudos for their courage in…
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Opinion: Congressman Mike Simpson’s salmon proposal is right for Idaho
Bravo to Congressman Mike Simpson for his recent proposal to breach the four lower Snake River dams and restore Idaho’s wild salmon and steelhead runs. His courage and leadership are commendable. The issue is fraught with complexity and difficulty. The effort will be long and hard-fought. But it is simply the right thing to do…
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Congressman Simpson on $1.9 trillion bill: Pelosi ‘has politicized COVID relief’
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Congressman Mike Simpson voted against the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill that was passed by the House over the weekend. CBS2 reached out to the Idaho Congressman for his reasoning. He pointed blame at the House Speaker. “I continue to be disheartened by Speaker Pelosi’s extremely partisan approach this Congress,” Simpson said…
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Q&A with architect of proposal to breach Lower Snake River dams: ‘I’m conservative, and I also value conservation’
When Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson publicly called for breaching four Lower Snake River dams on February 7 as part of his Energy & Salmon Concept, public reaction, it’s fair to say, was shock. And although Simpson certainly heard the swift criticism of his plan, voices as wide-ranging as tribes, environmental groups, energy interests and farmers…
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Congressman hopes politics align on divisive Northwest dams
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Nearly two decades ago, Republican President George W. Bush stood on a bank of the Snake River near Pasco, Washington, and declared that four hydroelectric dams would not be torn down on his watch, though many blamed them for killing endangered salmon. This month, Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho…
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Editorial: Simpson’s salmon proposal is a bold, needed step
Salmon and steelhead are a precious resource in Idaho, vital to our culture and to the heritage of Northwest tribes. For decades, preserving Idaho’s dwindling salmon population has been pitted against the human interests of creating energy and transporting goods. Despite investing $17 billion in salmon recovery over 30 years, the number of wild spring…