Recently, this fish-friendly trend has fallen under attack. The hydropower industry is claiming that the federal dam licensing process is putting its future at risk, potentially costing billions of dollars to hydropower companies. Hydropower facilities fear that as electricity regulation becomes reality, they will have a difficult time competing. The industry has proposed changes to federal licensing laws that would limit environmental safeguards at dams. In January, ASA was among seven conservation organizations to sign a letter to the chairman of the National Hydropower Association expressing dismay at the association's recent newspaper ads.
Environmental safeguards are absolutely critical to ensure healthy fisheries for the long term.
The letter urged the National Hydropower Association to tell the truth that hydropower is not environmentally benign. While it does not pollute the air, it can wreak havoc with river ecosystems. It also urged hydropower companies to take responsibility for the environmental costs associated with dams and to stop calling for elimination of environmental safeguards in the relicensing process. Only in a few rare instances does this entail major changes in dam operations. More and more hydropower utilities are realizing that by involving stakeholders early in the process, relicensing costs and delays can be minimized.