The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has released a Final Environmental Impact Statement that recommends approval to remove four dams on the Klamath River. The recommendation by FERC staff is another key milestone in progress toward restoring the Klamath to its former free-flowing condition, work that has been undertaken collectively by PacifiCorp, which owns the dams, Oregon, California and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation. FERC is likely to make a final decision later this fall.

"This is an encouraging step forward. DEQ appreciates the thorough and comprehensive review by FERC staff," said Director of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Richard Whitman. "Along with significant federal funding for agricultural infrastructure and habitat improvement provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the recent Inflation Reduction Act, these actions set the stage for addressing many of the underlying causes of conflict over water, water quality, and fisheries in the Klamath. We look forward to working with all of our partners to help put resource management back on a sustainable footing."

The Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement between PacifiCorp and the federal government was signed in 2010. The report focuses on events that occurred June 1, 2014 through June 30, 2018.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-08-26 14:27:35

Last Update: 2022-08-26 17:04:05