Hydropower Reform Coalition - Putting water, wildlife and people back in rivers

Avista Gets 50-year License for Spokane River Projects

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:53:33 -0500

Avista Corporation has received a new 50-year license to operate its Spokane River hydroelectric projects (P-2545).

Of the five developments, Post Falls is located in Idaho while the other four- Upper Falls, Monroe Street, Nine Mile and Long Lake, are located in Washington.

The new license issued by FERC yesterday, includes provisions from the settlement agreement reached between the licensee, agencies and other stakeholders. Such provisions include protection and mitigation measures for the natural resources affected by the project.

The 137.67 MW project occupies about 6,460 acres of federal and tribal lands, including about 5,996 acres that are part of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.

President Obama Nominates John Norris to FERC Commissioner

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:56:24 -0500

President Obama has nominated John R. Norris, Chief of Staff for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, to serve as the Commissioner at FERC.

Norris served as the Chairman of Iowa Utilities Board for five years prior to serving as Secretary Vilsack’s Chief of Staff. As a member of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) he worked on the Electricity Committee and was Co-Chair of the 2009 National Electricity Delivery Forum. Norris has also served as a member of the Demand Response Collaborative between FERC and NARUC.

Norris now has to be confirmed by the Senate.

A press release from White House states the following:

John R. Norris is currently serving as Chief of Staff for Secretary Tom Vilsack at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Prior to joining the USDA, Norris served as Chairman of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) from 2005 to 2009. As a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) he worked on the Electricity Committee and was Co-Chair of the 2009 National Electricity Delivery Forum. He served as a Board Member, Secretary and President of the Organization of Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) States as well as Chairman of the MISO Demand Response Working Group. He also was a member of the FERC/NARUC Demand Response Collaborative. Norris was on the Board of Directors of the National Regulatory Research Institute, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Iowa Power Fund and served on the Advisory Councils of the Iowa Energy Center, the Financial Research Institute for the University of Missouri College of Business and the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research at the University of Iowa. In 1999 and 2000 he was Chairman of the Iowa Electric Restructuring Task Force while serving as Chief of Staff for then Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. Norris also worked for U.S. Representative Leonard Boswell (IA-3rd) as Boswell’s Chief of Staff from 1997 to 1998. From 1989 to 2003 he owned and managed a restaurant in Greenfield, Iowa and he was State Director of the Iowa Farm Unity Coalition during the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s. Norris graduated with distinction from the College of Law at the University of Iowa in 1995 and received his undergraduate degree in 1981 from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

FERC and Washington Sign MoU on Development of Hydrokinetic Projects

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between FERC and the State of Washington to streamline the regulatory structure for development of hydrokinetic projects in Washington.

Under the MoU, among other things, FERC and Washington will notify each other when one becomes aware of a potential hydrokinetic project in the state and establish a schedule for reviewing and processing applications. The two entities will also coordinate environmental review of any proposed project.

Read the press release issued by FERC and the MoU between the parties.

Running Rivers- May 2009

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:39:22 -0500

FERC AND HYDROPOWER

1. Spokane River Settlement Finalized
Avista Utilities, Sierra Club, and Center for Environmental Law & Policy have worked out an agreement for year-round flows in the Spokane River, including flows through the bypassed reach below Upper Falls Dam, over Upper Spokane Falls, and through downtown Spokane's Riverfront Park.
Read more…

2. Hydropower and Washington’s Renewable Energy Goals
I-937 sought to diversity Washington's energy portfolio (hydropower currently produces more than 60% of Washington's electricity) by developing new renewable energy resources that would produce new and sustainable energy, jobs, industries, research, science, investment, and economy here in the State.
Read more…

3. HRC Paper- “Low Power, Big Problems”
Find the Hydopower Reform Coalition's paper on how low-power hydropower dams hurt rivers, written in response to a general misunderstanding by utilities, legislators and others that the "size" of a dam is an accurate indicator of its environmental footprint. LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS provides documentation on how ALL dams affect river systems, as well as a clear message that investing in new low power and generally inefficient dams does not offer a suitable solution to this nation's pressing energy needs and changing climate.
Read more…

4. Coalition Publishes a Preparation Guide for Relicensing Participants
The Hydropower Reform Coalition published a Activist’s Preparation Guide which focuses on the six-month-to-two-year preparatory phase before the relicensing begins. The Guide is jointly produced by the Hydropower Reform Coalition and the Sierra Club Rivers Committee.

While this guide is targeted toward citizen activists, it can help governmental agencies, tribes, organizations, and businesses understand the relicensing process and how to play a productive role in it.

Download this and the other HRC guides at www.hydroreform.org/hydroguide

OTHERS

1. HRC Position on Renewable Energy Policies
The Hydropower Reform Coalition has published a position statement describing what types of hydropower deserve incentives and how hydropower fits in a renewable energy policy.
Read more…

2. LIHI Seeks Public Comments on Revised Criteria
The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), a non-profit organization based in Maine, is currently reviewing its certification criteria. LIHI is also looking for public comments on the revised criteria. The public comment period ends on June 29, 2009.

For more information visit www.lowimpacthydro.org

3. Video Highlights the Significance of Mokelumne River
This video on Mokelumne River prepared by Coalition members Foothills Water Network, California Trout and Friends of the River highlights the significance of the Mokelumne River in the Sierra and the San Joaquin Delta.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District is currently planning to expand the Pardee Reservoir destroying miles of the Mokelumne River.

4. GAO Report: USFWS Has Incomplete Information About Effects on Listed Species from Section 7 Consultations
In a report released this Month, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that the US Fish and Wildlife Service “lacks systematic means of tracking monitoring reports or cumulative take resulting from consulted-on actions, relying instead almost exclusively on its individual biologists to maintain crucial species information.” The report also recommends that the Service “develop a cost-effective method for tracking required monitoring reports systematically and continue to develop existing databases to enable tracking of cumulative take.”

The findings and the recommendations of the report were concurred by the Department of Interior. The full report is available to read at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09550.pdf

EVENTS

1. Site Visit and Scoping Meetings for Conowingo Hydropower and Muddy Run Pumped Storage Projects
FERC staff will conduct a site visit and scoping meetings for the Conowingo hydroelectric (P-405) and the Muddy Run pumped storage (P-2355) projects on June 11 and June 12. The Conowingo Project is located on the Susquehanna River in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Muddy Run Project is located within York and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania. The reservoir of the Conowingo Project serves as the lower reservoir for the Muddy Run Project.

For more details see the notices relating to Muddy Run project and the Conowingo project.

2. Scoping Meeting- Half Moon Cove Project
FERC staff will conduct two scoping meetings for the Half Moon Cove Tidal Power Project (P-12704) on June 24, 2009 in Eastport, Maine. All interested parties are invited to attend. The daytime meeting will focus on resource agency, Indian tribes, and non-governmental organization concerns, while the evening meeting is primarily for receiving input from the public.

See more details.

3. National River Rally
Dates: May 29 - June 1, 2009
Venue: Hyatt Regency Baltimore
300 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

The National River Rally is River Network's premier annual event that brings together over 500 river conservationists for an action-packed extra-long weekend of education, inspiration and celebration.

Details are available at http://rivernetwork.org/programs/national-river-rally

4. River Action Day
Date: June 1-2, 2009
Venue: Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC

American Rivers' River Action Day 2009 will take place in conjunction with River Network’s River Rally in Baltimore, Maryland. Advocacy training will take place in Baltimore at the Hyatt Regency on Monday, June 1. Then it’s off to Washington, DC on Tuesday, June 2, to storm the halls of Congress.

Learn more about the River Action Day.

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LIHI Seeks Public Comments on Revised Criteria

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:30:50 -0500

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), a non-profit organization based in Maine, is currently reviewing its certification criteria.

LIHI is also looking for public comments on the revised criteria. The public comment period ends on June 29, 2009.

For more information visit www.lowimpacthydro.org

Hydropower and Washington’s Renewable Energy Goals

Rich Bowers — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:03:14 -0500

I-937 sought to diversity Washington's energy portfolio (hydropower currently produces more than 60% of Washington's electricity) by developing new renewable energy resources that would produce new and sustainable energy, jobs, industries, research, science, investment, and economy here in the State. During the session there were a number of attempts to modify I-937, with the role of hydropower, and hydro's ability to gather renewable tax credits at the center of this discussion. Over the past year, river advocates were faced with fighting back a number of amendments to include new dams, dams under 30 MW, dams under 5 MW, and all dams (new and existing). In the end, neither the House or the Senate could agree on language and the bill died leaving I-937 as Washington law.

Hydropower and Washington's Renewable Energy Goals was produced and distributed by the Coalition's Washington members to offset a number of these pro-dam initiatives. It briefly explains the legislative intent of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) efforts, as well as documenting the potential risk to rivers and watersheds, options for new hydropower but not new dams, climate change, and hydropower role in balancing wind and solar energy transmissions.

I-937 does include as a renewable efficiency upgrades at existing dams, adding hydro to canals and diversions (where it will not result in new diversions or impoundments) and new hydro technologies such as wave and tidal power. Including hyropower as a renewable in these instances is supported by the Coalition both in Washington State and in developing Federal RPS legislation.

Throughout this legislative session, a number of senators and representatives defended the public's original intent for I-937 and stood out a strong advocates of Washington's legacy of rivers. In the lead on river protection was John McCoy, Chair of the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee. Without Representative McCoy's leadership, Washington's rivers could now be facing an onslaught of new, small and highly inefficient dam proposals

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Hydropower FAQ Final2.pdf	48.86 KB

HRC Position Paper "Low Power, Big Problems" How Low-power Hydropower Dams Hurt Rivers

Rich Bowers — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:25:42 -0500

Even though the available number of potential hydropower sites is limited by geography, and in the US the most viable sites have already been developed, recent dam proposals have sought to take advantage of common misconceptions about hydropower in an attempt to downplay the environmental impact of building a dam. This paper details the environmental footprint of dams, including those described as "small","incremental", "run-of-river" and "micro" hydro projects.

"Small" usually describes the energy capacity of a dam, rather than size. For example, Washington State's 125 foot Condit Dam on the White Salmon is described as a "small" dam, as is the 210 foot Glines Canyon Dam (on the Elwha River also in Washington). Maine's Edwards Dam was 917 feet wide but considered small. All of these have been, or are facing removal due to enviromental and economic concerns.

The paper documents the environmental impacts from dams regardless of size, discusses the problems associated with federal subsidies for new dams, and explores how dams will compound the environmental impacts of climate change.

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smallhydro_web.pdf	375.62 KB

Spokane River Settlement Finalized

Rich Bowers — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:15:54 -0500

Avista Utilities, Sierra Club, and Center for Environmental Law & Policy have worked out an agreement for year-round flows in the Spokane River, including flows through the bypassed reach below Upper Falls Dam, over Upper Spokane Falls, and through downtown Spokane's Riverfront Park. Under conditions prior to this settlement, the downtown section of the river was a dry riverbed at the lowest flows. Flow changes will result in a long-term benefit to the river, economic growth and local tourism.

This settlement on aesthetic flows is the final outstanding issue on the relicensing of four dams on this river, Upper Falls, Monroe Street, Nine Mile and Long Lake. A final license for this project could be approved as early as this summer.

This licensing proceeding represented the first-ever opportunity for the state of Washington to impose conditions via 401 Certification on Avista's dams (prior licenses were issued before 401 certifications were authorized by the Clean Water Act). This appeal was also the first-ever challange to the Washington Department of Ecology's interpretation of the aesthetic flow water quality standard. In reviewing the 401 certification (issued April 7, 2008) the state provided no authority or analysis to support its selection of a lower flow and sections on the aesthetic flow condition were poorly drafted and internally inconsistent.

The falls will look very full this summer, as Avista will be spilling water as it works on Upper Falls powerhouse. Next summer, the utility will complete an Upper Falls Aesthetic Flow Plan (with WDFW, Ecology and environmental nonprofits) and begin to plug old canals in the Upper Falls northern channel, which were early water diversions.That work is part of the agreement and is necessary to distribute river flows more evenly. If all goes as planned, Avista will start abiding by the flow agreement in summer 2011.

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Out There Ad.pdf	581.73 KB
Avista WA 401a2 ltr to FERCl.pdf	95.71 KB
CELP-Sierra Club Comments on 401 Waterfall (5-6-08)-1.pdf	220.61 KB

April 2009

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:30:54 -0500

FERC AND HYDROPOWER

1. Flows Improved in North Fork Feather River
In an order issued last week, FERC approved a new flow schedule for the Cresta reach of the North Fork Feather River. Coalition members California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) and American Whitewater (AW) were instrumental in achieving the improved flows in the river.
Read more…

2. New York Project Will Receive Production Tax Credits
The additional generation at Raquette River project in New York will now be eligible to receive tax credits under the EPAct 2005.
Read more…

3. Three Dams Coming Out: Cold Water Fisheries Will Benefit
After years of debate on the fate of former hydroelectric dams on the Boardman river in Michigan, it has been decided that three of the four existing dams will be removed.
Read more…

4. PPL Revives Plan To Expand Holtwood Project
After withdrawing its application to add capacity to its Holtwood Project last year, PPL Corporation is now looking to revisit the plan.
Read more…

5. FERC and MMS Clarify Jurisdictional Issues
After months of row between FERC and Mineral MMS under the DOI over jurisdiction over renewable energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf, the two agencies signed a MOU yesterday that clarifies each agency's roles and responsibilities.
Read more…

6. North Carolina Seeks To Take Over Yadkin Project
The state of North Carolina has intervened in the licensing of Yadkin hydroelectric project and is seeking to take over the project.
Read more…

7. Montana Project To Increase Generating Capacity
PPL Montana has received approval from FERC to generate more power at the Rainbow development, one of nine hydroelectric developments in its Missouri-Madison project.
Read more…

OTHERS

2. HRC Paper- “Low Power, Big Problems”
Find the Hydopower Reform Coalition's paper on how low-power hydropower dams hurt rivers, written in response to a general misunderstanding by utilities, legislators and others that the "size" of a dam is an accurate indicator of its environmental footprint. LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS provides documentation on how ALL dams affect river systems, as well as a clear message that investing in new low power and generally inefficient dams does not offer a suitable solution to this nation's pressing energy needs and changing climate.
Read more…

3. Report Analyzes Impacts of Sea-level Rise in the Coast of California
A report released in March 2009 estimates that 480,000 people; a wide range of critical infrastructure; vast areas of wetlands and other natural ecosystems; and nearly $100 billion in property along the California coast are at increased risk from flooding from a 1.4-meter sea-level rise – if no adaptation actions are taken.

The Pacific Institute report, The Impacts of Sea-Level Rise on the California Coast, concludes that sea-level rise will inevitably change the character of the California coast, and that adaptation strategies must be evaluated, tested, and implemented if the risks are to be reduced or avoided.

Read the full report at http://www.pacinst.org/reports/sea_level_rise/index.htm

4. Courting Disaster: How the Supreme Court Has Broken the Clean Water Act and Why Congress Must Fix It
This publication by seven environmental groups claims that Supreme Court decisions and agency policies have removed or jeopardized safeguards for many of America’s waterways. It is suggested that the Congress must act to reverse the damage.

A pdf version of the report is available at http://www.sierraclub.org/cleanwater/reports_factsheets/2009-04-courting-disaster.pdf

5. DOE to Invest in Advanced Water Power Technologies
The Department of Energy has announced that it will make available $12 million to support the research and development of advanced water power technologies, including both marine and hydrokinetic and conventional hydropower technologies. This funding available for industry-led partnerships is in addition to the $7.3 million allocated last year.

To read more about the funding opportunities, go to http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=158

6. ILP Survey
The UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences is conducting research on the Integrated Licensing Process in the hopes of better understanding the needs of stakeholders in the hydropower process. The Center is conducting online surveys with the aim of providing recommendations for improvements in ILP.

The survey will ask your opinion on a number of topics, including:
•    licensing process and licensing-associated studies
•    biological resources, such and fish and wildlife
•    aspects of water quality, including contact recreation

Find the survey here.

7. Free Flow Power Seeks Information from Stakeholders
Free Flow Power (FFP) Corporation is seeking information from general public and other stakeholders for its proposed hydrokinetic projects on the Missouri River.

Free Flow has already obtained preliminary permits for 27 projects between Kansas City and St. Louis. Anyone who has any information related to the geology, aquatic resources, wildlife, recreation resources or other resource information can provide the information to FFP through their website. This information will assist FFP in preparing the Pre-Application Document (PAD) for the projects.

The questionnaire prepared by FFP is available at http://free-flow-power.com/index.php?id=56

Free Flow has already submitted its Pre-Application Document for its projects on the Mississippi River, for which FERC is currently conducting Scoping Meetings.

EVENTS

1. FERC Scoping Meetings for FFP Projects
FERC is conducting scoping meetings and site visits for seven hydrokinetic projects proposed by Free Flow Power in the Mississippi River. The meetings will be held in four cities along the Mississippi: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis and St. Louis. Details of the meeting are available here.

Find details of site visits and scoping meetings.

2. NHA 2009 Annual Conference
Dates: May 11-13, 2009
Venue: Capitol Hilton Hotel, Washington DC

The NHA Annual Conference brings together industry leaders, state and federal regulatory officials, and key legislative staff to explore and discuss a broad range of timely and important topics.

More details at http://www.hydro.org/conference2009/

3. National River Rally
Dates: May 29 - June 1, 2009
Venue: Hyatt Regency Baltimore300 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Details are available at http://rivernetwork.org/programs/national-river-rally

4. River Action Day
Date: June 1-2, 2009
Venue: Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC

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Hydropower Reform Coalition.
To contact Hydropower Reform Coalition, email us at
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HRC Position on Renewable Energy Policies

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:56:22 -0500

The Hydropower Reform Coalition has published a position statement describing what types of hydropower deserve incentives and how hydropower fits in a renewable energy policy.

The policy statement is available for download here.

Flows Improved in North Fork Feather River

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:45:14 -0500

Project: Rock Creek-Cresta : P-1962

In an order issued last week, FERC approved a new flow schedule for the Cresta reach of the North Fork Feather River. Coalition members California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) and American Whitewater (AW) were instrumental in achieving the improved flows in the river.

While the new flow regime was designed largely to be more protective of Foothill Yellow-Legged Frogs, it will also provide additional opportunities for whitewater recreation.

Read the related articles by CSPA and AW.

Hydropower and Washington’s Renewable Energy Goals

Rich Bowers — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:24:57 -0500

Hydropower and Washington’s Renewable
Energy Goals -- A Hydropower FAQ

In Washington State,river groups have joined with renewable energy advocates to keep pending Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) legislation simple and focused on new sources of renewable energy.

The Hydropower Reform Coalition developed this Hydropower FAQ to offset the call to build new hydropower dams and to allow these new dams to be eligible to review renewable energy credits. Besides the impacts on river systems, allowing new dams to recieve renewable energy credits will do little to provide new jobs, technology, and incentives for new energy from wind, solar and geothermal.

Over the past few months, there have been a number of proposals and amendments aimed at modifying the Washington State Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), established by the citizen-based Initiative-937 and codified at R.C.W. 19.285 et. seq. as part of the Energy Independence Act. River and Renewable Energy groups have been working to reject any modification that would expand the current definition of eligible renewables as it relates to hydropower.

I-937 originally sought to diversify our state’s energy portfolio by developing new renewable energy resources that would produce new and sustainable energy, jobs, industries, research, science,investment, and economy here in Washington State. (See RCW19.285.020 – Declaration of Policy.) Hydropower, a mature technology is already included as part of I-937 as it recognises under its definition of eligible renewables efficiency upgrades at existing dams, energy from irrigation pipes and canals where new diversions and impoundments are not created, and for potential new hydropower technologies such as marine, wave and tidal. Power from harmful new dams is not. Now however, the industry is trying to get lawmakers to give them what the citizens of Washingtonwould not.

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Hydropower FAQ Final2.pdf	48.86 KB

LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS How Low-Power Hydropower Dams Hurt Rivers

Rich Bowers — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:41:35 -0500

LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS

Hydopower Reform Coalition's paper on how Low-Power Hydropower Dams Hurt Rivers.

Written in response to a general misunderstanding by utilities, legislators and others that the "size" of a dam is an accurate indicator of its environmental footprint, LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS provides documentation on how ALL dams affect river systems, as well as a clear message that investing in new low power and generally inefficient dams does not offer a suitable solution to this nation's pressing energy needs and warming climate.

Whether it is in response to the environmental crisis of climate change or our overreliance on imported fuels, it is clear that America needs to act quickly to replace fossil fuel energy technologies with renewable energy. It is equally imperative, however, that we do not destroy the environment we are trying to save by blindly rushing to develop low-emissions energy sources that will result in serious environmental harm. We will not solve our energy problems by building new dams – especially inefficient low-power dams where the energy benefits fail to outweigh the environmental impacts – but we will cause irreparable harm to our rivers.

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smallhydro_web.pdf	375.62 KB

New York Project Will Receive Production Tax Credits

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:56:21 -0500

Project: Lower Raquette River : P-2330

The additional generation at Raquette River project in New York will now be eligible to receive tax credits under EPAct 2005.

Yesterday FERC issued a letter certifying that the four developments in the project owned by Erie Boulevard had generated 24912 kWh more than the historic annual generation of 70,271 kWh.

A license amendment issued in late 2006 had allowed the project to increase the capacity by 6 MW. The amendment had also changed the project from a peaking mode to run-of-river mode.

The EPAct 2005 allows for hydropower facilities to receive tax credits if a project increases generation through efficiency improvements or capacity additions. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the "bailout package") extended that provision for until the end of 2011, which otherwise would have expired at the end of 2008.

Three Dams Coming Out: Cold Water Fisheries Will Benefit

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:56:00 -0500

Project: Brown Bridge : P-2978

At a meeting last week, city and county commissioners voted to remove the Boardman, Brownbridge, and Sabin Dams while keeping the Union Street dam, all in Grand Traverse County.

On April 9, 2009, the Traverse City Council and the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners met in a joint session to act on the recommendations of the Implementation Team and the Boardman Rivers Dam Committee (BRDC). After several presentations, public comments and discussion the Council and the Commissioners approved the removal of the three dams.

A 2002 settlement agreement had established an Implementation Team and subsequently the BRDC to determine the fate of the former hydroelectric dams owned by Traverse City and Grand Traverse County.

According to the Settlement Agreement, if dam removal were pursued, then the Team would prepare a Removal Plan that includes but is not limited to sediment mitigation, fish passage (Union Street Dam maintenance), cultural resources, appropriate permit acquisition, and potential relocation of the river channel at the Boardman Pond.

The Michigan Hydro Licensing Coalition, a member of Hydropower Reform Coalition, is a member of the Implementation Team.

Removal of the three dams will directly benefit the cold water fisheries. Boardman river is knows to be one of the best trout streams in Michigan. Trout species such as Brook and Rainbow trout and salmon species such as steelhead, coho and chinook salmon can be found in the Boardman river.

Read a related news article.

PPL Revives Plan To Expand Holtwood Project

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:51:19 -0500

Project: Holtwood : P-1881

After withdrawing its application to add capacity to its Holtwood Project last year, PPL Corporation is now looking to revisit the plan.

In a letter filed last Thursday, PPL has requested FERC to accept an application which it states is virtually the same as the one submitted to FERC in December 2007 (and withdrawn in December 2008). The company has also requested to restart the licensing process from where it left off.

PPL’s renewed interest comes after the recently passed economic stimulus package allowed for tax incentives for incremental hydropower projects such as this. However, to qualify for assistance, the additional capacity at Holtwood would have to be operational by Jan. 1, 2014. The company plans to increase the capacity of the project from 107.2 MW to 195.5 MW.

An article quotes a PPL spokesman as stating that the credits allowed by the stimulus package could fetch PPL $100 million.

FERC and MMS Clarify Jurisdictional Issues

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:50:41 -0500

After months of row between FERC and Mineral Management Services (MMS) under the Department of Interior over jurisdiction over renewable energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), the two agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday that clarifies each agency's roles and responsibilities.

Under the agreement, FERC will have the authority to issue licenses or exemptions to hydrokinetic projects on the OCS while MMS will be responsible for issuing leases, easements, and rights-of-way for such projects. MMS will be the federal agency with jurisdiction over non-hydrokinetic energy projects including wind and solar.

Additionally, FERC cannot issue a license for a hydrokinetic project on the OCS until MMS issues a lease, easement or right-of-way for the same project. MMS will also have mandatory conditioning authority for hydrokinetic projects, meaning any terms and conditions set forth by MMS will have to be included in the license issued by FERC.

However, both agencies will co-operate with each other while conducting NEPA analysis and preparing a NEPA document.

FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff and DOI Secretary Ken Salazar signed the MoU yesterday.

Find the joint press release and the MOU.

North Carolina Seeks To Take Over Yadkin Project

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Project: Yadkin : P-2197

The state of North Carolina has intervened in the licensing of Yadkin hydroelectric project and is seeking to take over the project.

The 209 MW Yadkin Project on the Yadkin River is owned and operated by Alcoa Power Generating Inc., a one-time largest employer in the Stanley County through its aluminum plant. Now that Alcoa is no longer providing jobs, North Carolina, in its motion to intervene filed earlier this month states:

Fifty years later, the smelting works are no longer operational and the jobs and economic opportunities associated with them are gone. A skeleton crew of employees remains to look after the shuttered works and to operate the hydropower facilities. While the State and the surrounding communities have largely lost their stake in the original arrangement, APGI continues to operate the dams and generate and sell power at a significant profit. The State therefore moves to intervene to curtail APGI's vestigial private control of this segment of the Yadkin River and to rededicate this valuable resource to significant public use."

A press statement issued on April 1 by NC governor Bev Perdue states

"The waters of the Yadkin River belong to the people of North Carolina. Fifty years ago, we endorsed Alcoa's request for a federal license to operate hydroelectric dams on the river because they powered the company's aluminum smelting works. That facility was a linchpin in the regional economy and created jobs for up to 1,000 North Carolina workers." said Gov. Perdue. "Today the smelter and the jobs are gone - and so is the reason for the license. I'm asking FERC to enable the recapture of the license so it can be used once again to help create jobs and economic opportunity for the region."

Meanwhile a bill has been filed in the State Senate that would create a "Yadkin River Trust" to take over the hydroelectric projects. See this article regarding the introduced bill.

Since the state has not submitted a competing application, its not clear whether or not FERC would allow the State to take over the project.

Alcoa is in the process of applying for another 50-year license to operate its four hydroelectric plants at the High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Badin Lake and the Falls Reservoir along a 38-mile stretch of the Yadkin River.

Montana Project To Increase Generating Capacity

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:38:34 -0500

Project: Missouri-Madison : P-2188

PPL Montana has received approval from FERC to generate more power at the Rainbow development, one of nine hydroelectric developments in its Missouri-Madison project (P-2188).

The license amendment approved last week will now allow expansion of the project by constructing a new powerhouse and adding two new turbines with a total generating capacity of 58 MW. The powerhouse currently has one 35 MW turbine, which will have to be decommissioned under the conditions.

FERC issued an EA in February concluding that the actions proposed by the licensee would not create any significant impacts. Among other things, PPL Montana has proposed to construct a new powerhouse and a new intake structure.

The Missouri-Madison project consists of nine developments on the Madison and Missouri Rivers in Gallatin, Madison, Lewis and Clark, and Cascade Counties, in southwestern Montana. The total generation capacity of the nine developments is 327MW.

HRC and National Hydropower Association Congratulate Salazar and Wellinghoff on Commitment to Resolve Jurisdictional Dispute

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:41:45 -0500

The Hydropower Reform Coalition and the National Hydropower Association sent a letter this week to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jon Wellinghoff congratulating them for committing to resolve the jurisdictional dispute over the siting and licensing of ocean energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Find the joint press release and the letter.

Attachment	Size
2009-03-25 HRC_NHA_Letter_to_FERC_Interior.pdf	81.17 KB
HRC NHA release.pdf	93.59 KB

March 2009

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:29:35 -0500

FERC AND HYDROPOWER

1. HRC and NHA Congratulate Salazar and Wellinghoff on Commitment to Resolve OCS Siting and Licensing Jurisdictional Dispute
The Hydropower Reform Coalition and the National Hydropower Association sent a letter last week to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jon Wellinghoff congratulating them for committing to resolve the jurisdictional dispute over the siting and licensing of ocean energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Read more…

2. Wellinghoff Named FERC Chairman, Kelly Re-appointed
In an announcement made on March 19, President Barack Obama designated Jon Wellinghoff to be the Chairman of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and re-appointed Suedeen G. Kelly as a Commissioner.
Read more…

3. FERC Staff Issue Final EIS for Big Creek Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the four hydroelectric projects on the Big Creek System, located in Fresno and Madera Counties in California.
Read more…

4. FERC Rejects Climate Change Study
In a move that has disappointed many, FERC has rejected a request to predict and evaluate the changes in project effects in two watershed in California that will occur as a result of climate change that is likely to impact the local patterns of precipitation, runoff, evapo-transpiration and other meteorological patterns.
Read more…

5. Tallassee Shoals Project in GA Looks to Get LIHI Certification- Again
First certified in 2004, the Tallassee Shoals hydroelectric project on the Middle Oconee River in Georgia has applied for recertification of the facility with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI).
Read more…

OTHERS

1. Congress Protects More Rivers and Public Land
After the House approved the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act last Wednesday by a vote of 285 to 140, as many as 86 new rivers will now get protection from harmful developments. President Obama signed the bill into law yesterday at an event in the White House.

The legislation designates 1100 miles of 86 rivers in eight states as Wild and Scenic. The bill also protects 200 million acres of wilderness in Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, California, Idaho, West Virginia, Virginia, Utah and Michigan.

See the Environment News Service article and American Rivers’ press release.

2. Report: Northwest Can Meet Energy Demands
A new study claims that the Pacific Northwest must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 15% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 and make energy efficiency and renewable energy development the primary means of doing so. At the same time, the study claims that the coal-fired plans that contribute to 87% of the GHG emissions in the region must be retired. According to the study by NW Energy Coalition, “energy efficiency alone can meet 60% of the region’s new power needs by 2050.” The report entitled “Bright Future” explains how, with federal and regional leadership, the Northwest electric power system can:

Meet future energy demands
Restore wild salmon to our rivers and ocean
Help the transportation sector slash its global-warming emissions
Reduce its own carbon emissions at least 15% by 2020 and 80% or more by 2050
Create thousands of family-wage, clean-energy jobs and build vibrant local and regional economies

More information on the study and the full report is available at http://www.lightintheriver.org/

3. Poor Ocean and River Environmental Conditions Blamed for Decline in Chinook Stock in Sacramento River
In a report released two weeks ago by the National Marine and Fisheries Service (NMFS), the collapse of the Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon population has been attributed to a combination of both poor ocean and river conditions.

The report "What caused the Sacramento River fall Chinook stock collapse?" states, “The likely cause of the SRFC collapse lies at the intersection of an unusually large drop in abundance and poor environmental conditions.”

The report is available for download at http://swr.nmfs.noaa.gov/media/SalmonDeclineReport.pdf

EVENTS

1. Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference
Date: April 15-16, 2009
Venue: The Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, DC

This conference will explore how to create a more sustainable energy future with a diverse power generation portfolio that includes marine renewable energy technologies. Expert panelists from around the world will discuss their strategic visions, near term objectives, and challenges faced with deploying these innovative technologies. Participants will be invited to engage in an active dialogue with the panelists to explore how to achieve specific power production goals and strategic pathways.
Read more…

2. 2009 National Recreation Resource Planners' Conference
Dates: April 7 - May 1, 2009
Venue:Hilton Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, PA

The National Association of Recreation Resources Planner’s (NARRP) 29th annual conference is the premiere opportunity for professional development and networking with leaders in the recreation resource planning profession. NARRP offers current topics that respond to our members’ interests, educational field workshops, state-of-the-art training opportunities, and a forum for exchange of timely information and ideas.
Read more…

3. NHA 2009 Annual Conference
Dates: May 11-13, 2009
Venue: Capitol Hilton Hotel, Washington DC

The NHA Annual Conference brings together industry leaders, state and federal regulatory officials, and key legislative staff to explore and discuss a broad range of timely and important topics.
Read more…

4. National River Rally
Dates: May 29 - June 1, 2009
Venue: Hyatt Regency Baltimore300 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

5. River Action Day
Date: June 1-2, 2009
Venue: Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC

River Action Day 2009 will take place in conjunction with River Network’s River Rally in Baltimore, Maryland. Advocacy training will take place in Baltimore at the Hyatt Regency on Monday, June 1. Then it’s off to Washington, DC on Tuesday, June 2, to storm the halls of Congress.
Read more…

6. Visions of a Sustainable Mississippi River: Merging Ecological, Economic, and Cultural Values
Dates: August 10-13, 2009
Venue: Hotel Collinsville, Collinsville, IL

Conference Topics
    * Ecosystem services/economic value of Mississippi River
    * Floodplain connectivity, flood control, and hydrologic regime
    * Ethanol production and the Mississippi River
    * Clean water and the Mississippi River—uses and threats
Read more…

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Wellinghoff Named FERC Chairman, Kelly Re-appointed

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In an announcement made yesterday, President Barack Obama has designated Jon Wellinghoff to be the Chairman of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and re-appointed Suedeen G. Kelly as a Commissioner.

Mr. Wellinghoff had been the Acting Chairman of the Commission since January 2009 when the then Chairman Joseph Kelliher stepped down. Wellinghoff who has been a FERC Commissioner since 2006, is seen widely as a strong supporter of renewable energy development.

Suedeen G. Kelly has served as a Commissioner at the FERC since November 2003. Ms. Kelly has also served previously as Chair of the New Mexico Public Service Commission, which regulats New Mexico’s electric, gas and water utilities.

FERC Staff Issue Final EIS for Big Creek Projects

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:45:52 -0500

Project: Big Creek Nos 2A,8 & Eastwood : P-67 | Mammoth Pool : P-2085 | Big Creek No.1 & No.2 : P-2175 | Big Creek No 3 : P-120

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the four hydroelectric projects on the Big Creek System, located in Fresno and Madera Counties in California.

The four projects are owned by Southern California Edison (SCE) and include Mammoth Pool Project (P-2085), Big Creek Nos. 2A, 8 and Eastwood (P-67), Big Creek Nos. 1 and 2 (P-2175), and Big Creek No. 3 (P-120).

The existing projects have a combined capacity of 865 MW and consist of nine powerhouses, six reservoirs, numerous small diversions, other conveyance facilities and electrical transmission lines. The projects occupy about 6,870 acres of federal land in the Sierra National Forest.

The EIS prepared by the Commission staff has proposed that the projects be licensed as proposed by the applicant with additional measures as recommended by the staff. The staff recommendation includes provisions from the Settlement Agreement except for provisions to manage reservoir water surface elevations for recreational purposes at the Big Creek Nos. 1 and 2 and Mammoth Pool projects and funding rehabilitation of five campgrounds that are outside the existing project boundaries.

Federal and state resource agencies, Coalition members American Whitewater, Friends of River and Trout Unlimited, and other NGOs signed the Settlement Agreement for the projects and submitted to FERC in February 2007.

The Big Creek projects are located in the Upper San Joaquin River Watershed, which drains a 1,600-square-mile area situated between the Sierra Nevada crest to the east and the Central Valley foothills to the west.

FERC Rejects Climate Change Study

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:56:42 -0500

Project: Yuba-Bear : P-2266 | Drum-Spaulding : P-2310

In a move that has disappointed many, FERC has rejected a request to predict and evaluate the changes in project effects that will occur as a result of climate change that is likely to impact the local patterns of precipitation, runoff, evapo-transpiration and other meteorological patterns in two watershed in California.

Coalition members American Rivers and South Yuba River Citizens' League (SYRCL) had made the request for the Yuba-Bear (P-2266) and Drum-Spaulding (P-2310) Projects in California.

In a study request filed in August 2008, AR and SYRCL stated that,

"...regional and global climate drivers have changed over the past century and are expected to continue to change in predictable directions and magnitudes over coming decades. Changes in the global and regional climate will continue to change the local patterns of precipitation, runoff, evapotranspiration and other related forces. As a result, project effects on Yuba and Bear river watershed resources will also change."

AR and SYRCL had proposed using Water Evaluation and Planning Version 21 (WEAP 21) in conjunction with ResSim as a secondary tool for the study. The goal of the study, as proposed, was to:

Develop information to predict the effects the two projects will have on resources in the Yuba and Bear River watersheds under changed climate conditions; and
Ensure that the new licenses for the Projects are best prepared for the potential effects of climate change to the extent possible.

However, FERC did not require the study to be conducted claiming that the suggested model was not a perfect model. In an explanation provided in February, FERC stated the following:

Although there is consensus that climate change is occurring, we are not aware of any climate change models that are known to have the accuracy that would be needed to predict the degree of specific resource impacts and serve as the basis for informing license conditions.

The Yuba River watershed is considered to be one of the most vulnerable watersheds in the Sierra to climate change. According to Pacific Gas & Electric, the amount of water contained in the snowpack each year at Spaulding Reservoir on the South Yuba River has already declined by 25%.

Tallassee Shoals Project in GA Looks to Get LIHI Certification- Again

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:13:23 -0600

First certified in 2004, the Tallassee Shoals hydroelectric project on the Middle Oconee River in Georgia has applied for recertification of the facility with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI).

According to the application posted on the LIHI website, the project was constructed in 1984 and began operation in 1986. The project was licensed by FERC in 1983 (FERC No- P-6591) and has an installed capacity of 2.3 MW.

In order to be certified by the Institute, a hydropower facility must meet criteria in the following eight areas:

river flows
water quality
fish passage and protection
watershed protection
threatened and endangered species protection
cultural resource protection
recreation, and
facilities recommended for removal.

As part of the review process LIHI is looking for public comments on the application. Comments are due by April 25, 2009. All documents pertaining to the application can be found on LIHI's website.

LIHI has seven other pending applications for projects seeking LIHI certification. Thirty seven hydroelectric project around the nation have so far received the certification.

February 2009

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:17:52 -0600

FERC AND HYDROPOWER

1. Rocky Reach Hydro in Washington Gets 43-year License

FERC has issued a 43-year license to the Chelan County PUD in Washington for continued operation of the Rocky Reach Hydroelectric Project.
Read more...

2. First License for Wave Energy Surrendered

Finavera Renewables, the first licensee for a wave energy project, has surrendered its license before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Read more...

3. New Reports Support Removal of Klamath Dams

Three new reports show that removing the four dams on Klamath River will benefit the health of the river and salmon in the long run
Read more...

OTHERS

1. Instream Flow Council Releases New Book

Instream Flow Council has released a new book entitled Integrated Approaches to Riverine Resource Stewardship: Case Studies, Science, Law, People and Policy. This book is a follow-up to the Council's 2004 Instream Flows for Riverine Resource Stewardship and is intended for those involved and interested in instream/environmental flow topics and issues. In addition to eight detailed case studies, it also includes informative sections on monitoring, research needs, improving instream studies, adaptive management, and an in-depth review of instream flow law in the US and Canada.
Read more...

2. TVA Sees Hydrology Improve After Years of Drought

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has reported improved hydrology in recent months in stark contrast to the relative drought conditions suffered over the last three years.
Read more...

3. Fed Agencies' Report on Water Resource Management

A group of US federal agencies have issued guidance on water resource management under climate change risk conditions. This report prepared jointly by USGS, USACE, BoR, and NOAA describes the existing and still needed underpinning science crucial to addressing the many impacts of climate change on water resources management.
Read more...

EVENTS

1. 2009 California Rivers Festival

Date: Saturday, March 14th
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Friends of the River this year brings back the California Rivers Festival, the popular annual event that has something for everyone: kayakers, whitewater boaters, fly fishermen, families interested in learning about California rivers, and anyone who wants to get involved in river conservation.

For more information contact Kimani Kamau or Johnnie Carlson at 916-442-3155
Read more...

2. International Day of Action for Rivers

Communities in every region of the world take part in the International Day of Action for Rivers. International Rivers is organizing the International Day of Action for Rivers this March 14th, 2009. International Rivers will also host a film festival at the Gaia Arts Center in Berkeley, CA, promoting healthy rivers and communities.
Read more...

3. Watershed Leadership Conference 2009

Date: March 20-22, 2009
Venue: Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, AL

Come join other conservationists, experts, and river protectors as we learn about current environmental issues in Alabama. Keynote speakers, author John Randolph and naturalist Elberta Reid discuss, The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness: Saving the Great Gymnasiums of Nature and their experiences in citizen organizing describing the great victory in the preservation of the Sipsey Wilderness, kicking off the Eastern wilderness movement in the 70's and 80's in the Eastern US.
Read more...

4. 2009 National Recreation Resource Planners' Conference

Dates: April 27 - May 1, 2009
Venue: Hilton Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, PA

This conference organized by National Association of Recreation Resource Planners offers current topics that respond to the members' interests, educational field workshops, state-of-the-art training opportunities, and a forum for exchange of timely information and ideas.
Read more...

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coordinator at hydroreform dot org

Rocky Reach Hydro in Washington Gets 43-year License

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:54:23 -0600

Project: Rocky Reach : P-2145

FERC has issued a 43-year license to the Chelan County PUD in Washington for continued operation of the Rocky Reach Hydroelectric Project (P-2145).

The license issued last week is based on the Rocky Reach Comprehensive Settlement Agreement signed in 2006 by the PUD, the tribes and state and federal resource agencies.

According to the license, there are more than 41 species of fish, including 15 coldwater species, 18 coolwater species, and 8 warmwater species in the project area. These species are either native to the project area, introduced, or stocked.

Along with the Habitat Conservation Plan, included in the license as license conditions are shoreline protection, water quality, white sturgeon, bull trout, pacific lamprey, recreation resources management plans, as provided in the settlement agreement. The HCP is a 50-year agreement aimed at protecting protect five species of Columbia River steelhead and salmon.

The 1,200 mile long Columbia River used to produce the world’s largest runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead trout, major runs of coho and sockeye salmon, and small numbers of chum and pink salmon. However, a series of dams in the river system has led to the decline of several species.

First License for Wave Energy Surrendered

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:16:06 -0600

Finavera Renewables, the first licensee for a wave energy project, has surrendered its license before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The proposed Makah Bay wave energy project (P-12751) with a capacity of 1 MW would have been located in Olympic Coast Sanctuary in the Pacific Ocean, 1.9 nautical miles offshore of Waatch Point in Clallam County, Washington.

In its surrender letter filed last week, Finavera states that the project has now become uneconomic due to the current status of economy and limited capital investment.

FERC had granted a conditional license to the Canadian company in December 2007 for a period of five years.

New Reports Support Removal of Klamath Dams

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:20:30 -0600

Project: Klamath : P-2082

Three new reports show that removing the four dams on Klamath River will benefit the health of the river and salmon in the long run.

A joint press release issued by American Rivers and the Karuk Tribe, states that the removal of the dams will have relatively minor negative effects in the short-run, will not require sediment removal, but will be beneficial to salmon and water quality without incurring any increased flood risk to downstream residents.

According to the press release, removal would result in elimination of toxic blue green algae and subsequent increase in oxygen levels which would greatly increase the habitat conditions for salmon. At the same time, it is expected that the impacts to fall Chinook will be short-term, and the population would fully recover to pre-removal levels within five years.

(Right: Iron Gate Dam on the Klamath River is the first dam blocking over 350 miles of spawning habitat)

In November 2008, PacifiCorp reached agreement in principle to remove the four Klamath dams in 2020 and pay up to $200 million in removal and restoration costs.

If removed, this would be the biggest dam removal effort in the world.

To read the reports, visit American Rivers' Klamath River page.

January 2009

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:43:44 -0600

FERC AND HYDROPOWER

1. Interior Requests To Reconsider Decision to License Hydrokinetic Project on Mississippi
Through a letter sent last week, the Department of Interior (DOI) has requested FERC for a rehearing of the decision to issue an amended license that allows for operation of hydrokinetic project on the Mississippi river in Hastings, Minnesota.

2. Parties Sign Settlement for Cushman Project in Washington
Following litigation at the DC Circuit Court in 2006, Tacoma Power, Skokomish Tribe, agencies and other stakeholders have signed a settlement agreement that will govern the operations of the Cushman Hydroelectric project on the Skokomish River.

3. FERC Chairman Kelliher submits resignation
FERC Chairman Joseph Kelliher will step down at the start of the new administration on January 20.

4. FERC releases EA for DeSabla-Centerville (P-803)
FERC has issued an EA for relicensing of the DeSabla- Centerville hydroelectric project located on the Butte Creek and the West Feather River in Butte County, California.

5. Proposed dams move forward on Washington's Similkameen River
Proposed dams move forward on Washington's Similkameen River. Enloe Dam announces scoping meetings, preliminary permit issued for Shankers Bend Project.

OTHERS

1. Governor rekindles massive Susitna dam proposal
Gov. Sarah Palin's goal for Alaska to receive 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025 is reviving long-held dreams of the state building a giant hydro project like the Susitna dam. It's also inspiring skeptical questions about realism and expense.

2. New Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology Database by DOE

With interest in marine and hydrokinetic energy development in the US rapidly rising, the Department of Energy has developed a database of existing and potential projects.

3. International Rivers- Tools for Educators

This week International Rivers released a resource page where you will find links to educational and environmental groups that provide curriculum, tips, and other resources for educators relating to rivers, dams, and people.

EVENTS

1. Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America

The Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America offers a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors.

Date: March 10 – 12, 2009
Venue: Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

2. Watershed Leadership Conference 2009

Alabama Rivers Alliance is hosting The 2009 Watershed Leadership Conference at Camp McDowell, in Nauvoo, AL on March 20-22, 2009.

Come join other conservationists, experts, and river protectors as we learn about current environmental issues in our state. Keynote speakers, author John Randolph and naturalist Elberta Reid discuss, The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness: Saving the Great Gymnasiums of Nature and their experiences in citizen organizing describing the great victory in the preservation of the Sipsey Wilderness, kicking off the Eastern wilderness movement in the 70's and 80's in the Eastern US.

3. 2009 California Rivers FestivalSaturday, March 14th 10:00am to 5:00pm

For more information contact Kimani Kamau or Johnnie Carlson at 916-442-3155

4. Scoping Meeting: Uniontown & Newburgh Hydroelectric Projects

FERC staff will conduct two scoping meetings for Uniontown Hydroelectric Project and Newburgh Hydroelectric Project (P-12958-001 and P-12962-001). All interested parties are invited to attend and present comments. The daytime meeting will focus on resources agency concerns, while the evening scoping meeting is primarily for public input.

Daytime Scoping Meeting
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Venue: Browning Events Room
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
200 South East Martin Luther King Blvd.
Evansville, Indiana

Evening Scoping Meeting

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Browning Events Room
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
200 South East Martin Luther King Blvd.
Evansville, Indiana

5. Site Visit: Swan Falls Hydroelectric Project
FERC staff will conduct two scoping meetings and a site visit for the Swan Falls Hydroelectric Project (P-503-048). All interested parties are invited to attend but must provide their own transportation for site visit.

Daytime Scoping Meeting
Date: February 11, 2009
Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m. (MST)
Venue: Doubletree Hotel – Boise Riverside
2900 Chinden Blvd.
Boise, Idaho

Evening Scoping Meeting
Date: February 10, 2009
Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m. (MST)
Venue: Doubletree Hotel – Boise Riverside
2900 Chinden Blvd.
Boise, Idaho

Site Visit
Start Time : 9:00 a.m.

Participants will meet at the overlook above Swan Falls Dam at 9:00 a.m. To reach the meeting site, take I-84 from Boise, turn south at Exit 44 onto S. Meridian Road (ID-69) toward Kuna, follow ID-69 as it becomes E. Avalon Road in Kuna, turn south onto S. Swan Falls Road, and follow Swan Falls Road about 19 miles to the overlook above the dam. Allow 60 to 75 minutes for the drive from Boise.

You received this email because you subscribed to the newsletter from Hydropower Reform Coalition.
To contact Hydropower Reform Coalition, email us at coordinator@hydroreform.org