The Hydropower Reform Coalition opposes the hydropower bills and discussion drafts being considered by House Energy and Commerce Committee's Energy Subcommittee in a hearing today.

These bills  undo many of the checks and balances that have equitably balanced hydropower development with other uses of our public resources for 40 years. Specifically, one of the drafts- the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act- does the following:

American Whitewater’s Dave Steindorf will testify before a subcommittee of the US House of Representatives today on behalf of the Hydropower Reform Coalition. The hearing titled “Modernizing Energy Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities to Expanding Hydropower Generation” will discuss licensing reforms among others topics.

Source: California Sportfishing Protection Alliance and American Whitewater

By Chris Shutes (CSPA) and Dave Steindorf (American Whitewater)

In a surprise move, PG&E announced on February 2, 2017 that it was withdrawing its application to relicense the DeSabla – Centerville Hydroelectric Project on Butte Creek and the West Branch Feather River.  The reach of Butte Creek affected by the Project is home to the only remaining viable population of spring-run Chinook salmon in California’s Central Valley.

Source: Idaho Rivers United

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission dismissed a petition today that would have overridden state ability to enforce water quality standards—a right that has been codified by the Supreme Court. The ruling was a win for IRU and other conservation groups that are seeking better water quality standards at three Idaho Power Co. dams on the Snake River in Hells Canyon.