Rep. Huffman Backs Dam Removal Plan Submitted to Federal Government

September 23, 2016

WASHINGTON­—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today applauded the Klamath River Renewal Corporation’s (KRRC) filing with federal regulators, a major milestone in the effort to tear out the river’s hydropower dams.

“Removing the four dams on the Klamath River, an effort which is backed by so many of my constituents, is a vital step towards restoring the iconic river and rebuilding its salmon runs,” said Rep. Huffman.  “I am grateful to the KRRC for their leadership and PacifiCorp for their willingness to participate in this important effort.  Their submission today sets in motion the process to remove the dams, which will be the largest project of its kind in history. This milestone is a tribute to the hard work of the tribes, fishing groups, conservation organizations, and the Obama administration, who have been steadfast in working to correct this serious West Coast environmental problem.”

The KRRC and PacifiCorp jointly filed a license transfer application along with a surrender application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission aimed at decommissioning and removing the salmon-blocking dams.

The KRRC was created out of the Klamath Hydropower Settlement Agreement in 2016, signed by the Karuk and Yurok tribes, environmental and fishing groups, PacifiCorp, the U.S. Departments of Interior and Commerce, and others. The KRRC will oversee the process of removing the dams, which for decades have blocked salmon migration and contributed to poor water quality and fish diseases on the Klamath River.

Congressman Huffman was very active on pushing for congressional action on the Klamath settlement. You can read more about his work here.   

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