Poll: 58% oppose removal of Lower Snake River dams

KENNEWICK–New polling released by Washington Policy Center shows Washingtonians are opposed to destroying the dams on the lower Snake River and are unwilling to pay higher electric rates in order to have them removed.

The statewide poll of 500 Washington citizens conducted in late November and released December 17, 2019, also reveals what limited knowledge Washingtonians really have about the Snake River dams. Some of the polling highlights indicate:

-Just 7% of Washingtonians knew there were four dams on the lower Snake River.

-Just 5% of Washingtonians knew salmon populations on the lower Snake River were increasing.

“When people know the facts about the Snake River dams, they support the CO2-free energy they produce and oppose wasting billions to destroy them,” explained WPC Environmental Research director Todd Myers. “These results provide new context to the debate over the fate of the lower Snake River dams. How Washingtonians responded should give lawmakers and the media pause.”

When Washingtonians were informed about the current debate regarding the lower Snake River dams, 58% opposed removal.

Poll respondents were also asked if they would be willing to pay more for their electricity in order to remove the Snake River dams and help “restore salmon populations,” as environmentalists have promised. Only 33% said they would, 60% said no. Of the 33% who said they’d be willing to pay more, 63% said no more than $20 per month.

Washingtonians were also asked if they’d be willing to pay more for fish passage, while keeping the dams in place. Sixty-five percent said yes, with only 28% saying no.

The poll was conducted November 18-21 with more than 500 respondents statewide and 63% of the interviews conducted via cell phone. The general voter mood in Washington state is split, with 42% believing things are heading in the right direction and 40% believing things are off on the wrong track.

Washington Policy Center is the state’s leading public policy research organization with offices in Spokane, Seattle, Olympia and the Tri-Cities. WPC focuses on eight key research areas: Agriculture, Education, Environment, Government Reform, Health Care, Small Business, Transportation and Worker Rights.