Rep Bentz Speaks on the House Floor Against the Removal of the Klamath Dams

[@timmanion2197]

Note carefully that Mr Bentz sounds eminently logical. The only thing lacking is a few citations of where, exactly, he gathered his “facts.” No journals; no papers; no studies….nothing. Turns out his “logic” functions very much the way any dogmatic belief does: this is true because I (we) say it is. Not only is Mr Bentz WAY off regarding his “facts:” they actually fly in the face not only of peer-reviewed science, but of now-considerable, on-the-ground experience concerning overall fishery recoveries after dam removal.
By the way, here’s a fun fact (yep: you can look it up!): Mr B’s largest category of successful campaign finance? Agribusiness. By a country mile. Surprise, surprise…..

[@georgehaydukeiii6396]

Thank you for pointing out what a lying failure Cliff is. These guys will say anything for the agricultural and hydropower industry. Pathetic!

[@jacobmarshall388]

You two have no idea what it takes to sustain a waterway, nor do you have a stake in these decisions. You don't realize what the dam removal has done to the wildlife, and you people claim it's just "collateral damage!"

[@danielwoods404]

This had all the strength of a sixth grader's english paper.

[@kimberlyakin8908]

you aimed to High. I'm thinking 4

[@douglasbright5678]

I am not sure who provided the Congressman the information but there is a lot of misinformation in this speech. For example, he stated that there has been no increase in fish as a result of the removal of the Elwah dam in the state of Washington. The latest information published by Olympic NP indicates that steelhead have completely repopulated the river, there has been an increase in rainbow trout populations and a increase in size of the bull trout. The success of the salmon has not been quite as successful because of the use of eggs from hatchery fish. The problem with the wildlife refuge is not the result of the removal of the dams which are downstream from the refuge but the lack of water because of drought and the fact the refuge does not have water rights, so they are not guaranteed any water in dry years. The lack of low-cost power is the result of a long-term contract expiring and the power company not willing to continue to supply power at below market rates. Lastly the reduction of the availability of federal timber is not because of the spotted owl but more the result of congressionally passed legislation, the Resource Planning Act and the National Forest Management Act, and the BLM equivalent. The Resource Planning Act forced the consideration of the various resources on each other, i.e. the effects of timber harvest on fish, wildlife, water, recreation. Prior to this time plans were developed without the consideration of the effects on each other. The National Forest Mangement Act set forth the parameters of what could be considered to be timber lands, they had to be able to be reforested in 5 years following harvest and have a prescribed level of growth. This resulted in a reduction of the number of acres that could actually produce timber in a normal rotation. Forest Planning found that the previous timber harvest plans were overly optimistic, and the previous levels of harvest could not be sustained over time, thus the reduction of harvest levels which did have a negative effect on communities that were dependent on harvesting timber on federal lands.

[@georgehaydukeiii6396]

I wonder how much he got paid to read this silly little list of lies. I'm so sick of Republicans lying for industry donors.

[@_DREBBEL_]

Fucking right

[@chrissiereynolds4058]

Thank you. No Farmers No Food. We at Copco appreciate you speaking up for us. 🙏

[@cindythayer242]

I'd still rather have a dam than a nuclear plant.

[@hankcheyne4098]

Spot on Cliff, dam removal started off as a bad idea and now it is fast becoming an environmental disaster with devastating consequences from the Klamath basin clear to the ocean.

[@rmg03c]

Educate me on which you know that I do not. I'm ready to learn....
How is this fool correct. Or..Does your support stem from your own bottom line?

[@KrustyMuffinman]

I too am waiting for the knowledge so I can learn. Help us out Hank.

[@georgehaydukeiii6396]

This is just a bunch of unsupported dribble. People are beginning to see through the lies that the Right continues to spew. How about some facts Hank?