Number: 1989-18
WHEREAS, drought conditions in 1988 caused portions of more than 40 states to be declared eligible for Federal disaster assistance, highlighting the need to improve the management of the Nation’s water resources; and
WHEREAS, strains in water supply systems were particularly evident in rural areas, which face problems of quality as well as quantity; and
WHEREAS, new initiatives may be necessary at the State and Federal level to assist rural systems to conserve supplies, manage demand, upgrade treatment, and expand distribution; and
WHEREAS, some existing dams and reservoirs can be managed to restore damaged habitat and improve recreational opportunity; and
WHEREAS, the terms and conditions under which some 300 existing hydropower dams will be operated in the future will be considered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) during the next 5 years; and
WHEREAS, in 1986, Congress amended the Federal Power Act to require FERC to consider environmental issues when licensing or relicensing hydropower plants; and
WHEREAS, FERC has not yet adopted final regulations for relicensing; and
WHEREAS, in most cases, past mismanagement of flows from existing dams can be remedied by flow regimes that will restore environmental, recreational, and economic values downstream, with little, if any sacrifice in hydroelectric power production; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Flood Insurance Program provides approximately $160 billion worth of insurance to owners of flood-prone property and has been criticized for encouraging development in environmentally sensitive and valuable flood plains;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 16-19, 1989, in Arlington, Virginia urges a careful review of the ability of rural water systems to meet potable water needs in an environmentally sensitive and cost-effective way, with water conservation as an integral part of any new Federal assistance; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges the states to act promptly to seek environmentally beneficial modifications in the operation of existing dams; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges FERC to interpret and implement its environmental responsibilities in a manner that will provide for maximum habitat restoration and protection; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges Congress to review the Federal Flood Insurance Program and consider amendments to strengthen its effectiveness as a tool for flood plain management and protection. Specifically:
- All insurance premiums should be established at full actuarial rates;
- Premiums should also account for the effects and risks posed by rising sea levels and long-term erosion;
- Enforcement of community flood plain regulations should be increased; and
- New policies should no longer be issued in hazardous areas, including the coastal high hazard zone, the 60-year erosion zone, and the undeveloped coastal barriers identified for inclusion within the Coastal Barrier Resources System; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges Congress to enhance the protection of environmental values in flood-prone areas by barring mortgage lending or commercial financing by Federally-insured banks, savings and loans, and credit unions for new development in undeveloped portions of the 100-year flood plain.