The hugely popular dameffects website (www.dameffects.org) is now available in Spanish.

It is clear that America needs to act quickly to replace fossil fuel energy technologies with renewable energy.  But we will not solve our energy problems by building new dams -- especially inefficient low-power dams where the energy benefits fail to outweigh the environmental impacts.

LOW POWER, BIG PROBLEMS

Hydopower Reform Coalition's paper on how Low-Power Hydropower Dams Hurt Rivers.

Whether it is in response to the environmental crisis of climate change or our overreliance on imported fuels, it is clear that America needs to act quickly to replace fossil fuel energy technologies with renewable energy. It is equally imperative, however, that we do not destroy the environment we are trying to save by blindly rushing to develop low-emissions energy sources that will result in serious environmental harm. We will not solve our energy problems by building new dams – especially inefficient low-power dams where the energy benefits fail to outweigh the environmental impacts – but we will cause irreparable harm to our rivers.

The PG&E report changes the equation regarding Canadian hydroelectric power being sold to US markets, as IPP’s (independent power producers) have long argued that the power produced from local resources would remain in BC. It also affects US Consumers in two ways: 1. in our need to be involved and educated about BC river issues, and 2. Potential future changes to California’s existing Renewable Portfolio Standard, and to new National Portfolio Standards which may be established after the upcoming election.