Number: 1987-22
WHEREAS, there are pending presently before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) numerous license applications to develop hydroelectric facilities on many of the existing dams located on the Upper Mississippi River; and
WHEREAS, there have been efforts to secure FERC approval of these applications without prior environmental impact studies; and
WHEREAS, there is already significant evidence that these facilities may impact severely local riparian habitat and possibly the entire Upper Mississippi River system; and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and various interested conservation groups and individuals have requested that FERC prepare complete Environmental Impact Statements for each project as well as an assessment of the possible cumulative effects on the entire Upper Mississippi River ecological system; and
WHEREAS, FERC may only license those projects that are best adapted to a comprehensive plan that provides for the adequate protection, mitigation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife and addresses other beneficial public uses of the waterway, including recreation; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that all environmental studies be made before the license is issued while the public has an opportunity to comment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 19-22, 1987, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, hereby formally requests that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for each hydroelectric license application on the Upper Mississippi River and make an assessment of the cumulative effects on the entire Upper Mississippi River system before any project is licensed for construction and that FERC prepare a comprehensive plan and deny license applications when studies show one or more of the proposed projects should not be constructed.