Number: 1992-19
WHEREAS, the construction and operation of hydroelectric power projects has damaged fisheries, wildlife and recreational resources of many of the nation’s rivers and streams, especially at projects that block or hinder the passage of fish and other aquatic species; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is now engaged in the relicensing of many of the nation’s oldest hydroelectric power developments that were originally subject to inadequate or limited environmental reviews and conditioning, including the relicensing of approximately 170 projects affecting some 231 dams in 24 states that expire at the end of 1993, affording major opportunities for mitigation of impacts and environmental improvements associated with these projects; and
WHEREAS, relicensing of these projects extends for periods of 30 to 50 years; and
WHEREAS, FERC is also engaged in numerous other original license proceedings, such as the hydroelectric facility for Lock and Dam 14 on the upper Mississippi River proposed to be built by the City of LeClaire, Iowa, that have the potential for adverse impacts to fish passage and the health of aquatic and related ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, despite longstanding federal law and policy that vests exclusive responsibility in the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe fishways needed for fish passage at licensed hydroelectric facilities, in November, 1991, FERC issued final regulations that limit the Secretaries’ prescription authorities, thus substantially limiting potential for protection, restoration, and enhancement of fishery resources through licensing and relicensing proceedings;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 19-22, 1992, in Portland, Oregon, calls on FERC to respect and abide by the statutory division of responsibilities for management of fisheries, wildlife and other natural resource values as defined in Sections 10 and 18 of the Federal Power Act and other environmental laws, and to adopt a responsible working partnership with state and federal natural resource and fisheries management agencies in carrying out the licensing of hydroelectric power projects.