Suggested Letter to Representatives
Want to support the dams but don’t know where to start?
The following is a starting point for your letter or email to your government representatives. Feel free to copy and paste the text below into your letter or email and edit it as aligns with your own personal convictions. Thank you for taking the time to make your voice heard! Your efforts will help to keep our carbon-free power affordable and reliable.
Dear [Insert Representative’s Name Here],
I am writing in support of keeping the four lower Snake River dams (LSRD) intact.
I am a resident of Northwest Montana and a member of Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) in [Kalispell, Libby, Columbia Falls, etc.]. I place a high value on the affordable, reliable, and carbon-free power I (and over 56,000 other FEC members) currently receive from the hydropower system in the Northwest. Access to this power is currently being threatened in discussions about the removal of these dams.
The impact of the removal of the LSRD on Montana residents would be higher electric rates, a larger carbon footprint, and an increased risk of blackouts due to reduced ability to endure extreme climate events. With our region emerging from devastating pandemic losses and experiencing historic heat, drought, wildfires, and significant poverty levels, the breaching of the LSRD would be a disaster.
I ask that you publicly support these dams and the future of hydropower, and the benefits these resources provide to your constituents across the Pacific Northwest.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Suggested Recipients:
Office of Senator Jon Tester
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2604
Email: Email Senator Tester | Jon Tester | U.S. Senator for Montana (senate.gov)
Office of Senator Steve Daines
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-2604
Email Steve | Connect | U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana (senate.gov)
Office of Congressman Matt Rosendale
1037 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Contact | U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale (house.gov)
Other resources:
- Northwest River Partner’s 2021 Fast Facts
- FEC Letter to Congressional Delegates and Board Resolution Supporting Lower Snake River Dams (PDF)
- FEC Letter to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council Regarding Lower Snake River Dams (PDF)
Want to stay informed on issues impacting your Co-op?
We invite you to join our Grassroots Action Team so, if needed, you can help us contact legislators who make the decisions about critical issues impacting Flathead Electric Cooperative and other electric cooperatives in our state, region and nation.
