Attempt To Build Hydro Facility On National Park Thwarted
Contact:
Kathy Buchner , Wyoming Council Director , TU (307) 733-6991
Wyoming Council Director
TU
(307) 733-6991
10/30/2001 — Jackson, Wyo. — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has denied Symbiotics/ Northwest Power Services application for a preliminary permit to establish a hydroelectric generator on the Jackson Lake Dam in Grand Teton National Park.
The existing dam is maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation. FERC dismissed the permit application because the Federal Power Act does not give FERC the authority to control operations on national park lands.
The recent energy crisis has caused many companies to look for ways to expand generation capacity. One such way is to retrofit existing dams with hydroelectric turbines. This can have devastating impacts to fish and wildlife in the surrounding habitat.
Kathy Buchner, Jackson Hole Chapter and Wyoming Council Director noted, Were very pleased to see this issue nipped in the bud.
Founded in 1959 in Grayling, Michigan, Trout Unlimited is the nations leading coldwater fisheries conservation organization. TUs 130,000 members in 500 chapters nationwide are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and restoration of North Americas trout and salmon and their watersheds.
Trout Unlimited: Americas Leading Coldwater Fisheries Conservation Organization
Washington, D.C. Headquarters: 1500 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 310, Arlington, VA 22209-2404
(703) 522-0200 Fax: (703) 284-9400 http://www.tu.org
Jackson Hole Chapter and Wyoming Council: P.O.Box 4069, Jackson WY 83001
Date: 10/30/2001