Emphasizes Idaho’s critical role in energy system research

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the Water and Power Subcommittee, yesterday discussed hydropower and energy security and resiliency. The Senator welcomed Idaho National Lab (INL) Director John Wagner and Ginger Wright, INL’s Cyber-Informed Engineering Program Manager, who served as a witness.

“INL is also the flagship for cybersecurity,” said Risch. “ . . . INL is a big deal for Idahoans; it’s a big deal for Americans; and it certainly is a big deal for cybersecurity.”

During his opening statement, Senator Risch also emphasized the critical role of hydropower in Idaho. He said,“It is impossible to overstate the importance of dam infrastructure in Idaho. It has allowed us to transform desert into fertile farmland, account for flood control and transport commodities far beyond Idaho, and is critical to meeting our growing energy demands. Hydropower accounts for over half of our in-state electricity generation and contributes significantly to affordability.”

Senator Risch also questioned the witnesses about the importance of cybersecurity in hydropower operations and the role INL is playing. His questions are available here.

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