Attempt To Build Hydro Facility On National Park Thwarted

Contact:
Kathy Buchner , Wyoming Council Director , TU (307) 733-6991
Wyoming Council Director
TU
(307) 733-6991

10/30/2001 -- Jackson, Wyo. --  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has denied Symbiotics/ Northwest Power Services’ application for a preliminary permit to establish a hydroelectric generator on the Jackson Lake Dam in Grand Teton National Park.

The existing dam is maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation. FERC dismissed the permit application because the Federal Power Act does not give FERC the authority to control operations on national park lands.

The recent energy crisis has caused many companies to look for ways to expand generation capacity. One such way is to retrofit existing dams with hydroelectric turbines. This can have devastating impacts to fish and wildlife in the surrounding habitat.

Kathy Buchner, Jackson Hole Chapter and Wyoming Council Director noted, “We’re very pleased to see this issue nipped in the bud.”

Founded in 1959 in Grayling, Michigan, Trout Unlimited is the nation’s leading coldwater fisheries conservation organization. TU’s 130,000 members in 500 chapters nationwide are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and restoration of North America’s trout and salmon and their watersheds.

Trout Unlimited: America’s Leading Coldwater Fisheries Conservation Organization
Washington, D.C. Headquarters: 1500 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 310, Arlington, VA 22209-2404
(703) 522-0200 • Fax: (703) 284-9400 • http://www.tu.org
Jackson Hole Chapter and Wyoming Council: P.O.Box 4069, Jackson WY 83001

Date: 10/30/2001