Don’t Weaken River Protections at Hydropower Dams
The hydropower industry's "Unlock Hydro" bill creates a giant loophole that allows hydropower dam operators to avoid requirements to protect fish, wildlife and water quality.
By
Jim Bradley |
December 4, 2015
Earlier this week, the US House of Representatives voted to advance an industry wish list bill for hydropower dam owners.
H.R. 8, the hydropower industry’s so-called “Unlock Hydro” bill creates a giant loophole that allows hydropower dam operators to avoid requirements to protect fish, wildlife and water quality. My colleagues and I are springing into action to fight this bill as it moves to the Senate.
The industry and their allies in Congress claim that hydropower is “clean” energy. But if their idea for power rejects the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, then I don’t think you can call it clean, or responsible.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that massive coal-fired utilities like Duke Energy and Southern Company are pushing this anti-environment bill. After all, hydropower companies own four of the top ten dirtiest power plants.
The good news is that H.R. 8 passed the House on a narrow vote. And President Obama threatened to veto the bill [pdf] if it gets to his desk because the bill “would undercut bedrock environmental statutes, including the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Endangered Species Act.” However, we can’t afford to let it get that far. My colleagues and I will not sit by while this happens. But to take on critical fights like this, we need you!
The “Unlock Hydro” bill is outrageous. We need your help to stand up to the industry and to promote real clean energy – not a 19th century vision for the future of U.S. energy policy. If you agree, help us fight back.
Thanks for standing with us to ensure our rivers, fish and wildlife are protected.
