A proposed hydropower project on the Gunnison River in Colorado languished for 25 years before finally being laid to rest in December. The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association had proposed to construct a facility that could have diverted over 1,000 cfs from flowing through the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park year-round.

Trout Unlimited challenged the Association's expiring water rights, leading the Association to back down from their proposal on December 27, 2004. The Association also failed to receive a FERC license after unsuccessful bids in the mid-1980s.

Two weeks after conservation groups filed a motion to dismiss a permit to construct hydropower facilities on the upper Snake River, the prospecting company withdrew their permit. Those of us who treasure the Snake River and its spectacular wild trout fishery can breathe a little easier.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a surprise on Wednesday when it granted Gustavus Electric Company a license to construct a hydropower project in Glacier Bay National Park.

The project is authorized by a law sponsored by then-Senator now-Governor Frank Murkowski. The law allows for a land exchange between state and federal lands upon joint review and approval from FERC and the National Park Service.