The June/July 2007 edition of The Advocate, the official publication of the Idaho State Bar, features an article on the hydropower provisions of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct). The point: "the EPAct... makes the [licensing] process more complex, litigious, and expensive."

On July 28, 2006, FERC published a draft environmental impact statement for the licensing of the Hells Canyon Complex. The 1000+ MW project blocks all migration for endangered Snake River salmon and steelhead. FERC does not recommend any additional passage into tributaries or the mainstem Snake River for the next 30-50 year license.

FERC's deadline for all interested parties in the Hells Canyon dams to file their recommendations for terms and conditions in the new license was January 26, 2006. The federal National Marine Fisheries Service - the agency charged with protecting migrating endangered salmon and steelhead - submitted a simple reservation of authority. In other words, the agency did nothing and failed in its responsibility to protect these endangered species.

Court finds agency' s delay on ESA consultation petition “nothing less than egregious”

SEATTLE – Today, calling the agency' s delay “egregious,” a federal court ordered the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to respond to a 1997 petition from conservation groups requesting that the agency consult with NOAA Fisheries on the adverse impacts the Hells Canyon Complex has on endangered salmon and steelhead.

Visit Restore Hells Canyon for more about the poll and the campaign.

Poll reveals overwhelming support for Hells Canyon and salmon restoration

Boise — Nearly 8 of 10 voters who live in the Idaho Power service area think the company should be held responsible for restoring the ecological health of Hells Canyon, according to an independent poll released today.