Over the past couple months we’ve shared news of the hydropower industry asking Congress to give them huge advantages in damming and diverting rivers.  Paddlers and other river enthusiasts responded loudly with emails and calls to political leaders, and with editorials in newspapers. In addition, many AW affiliate clubs signed onto a powerful letter to Congress. Thanks to your efforts, some of the worst parts of the industry’s wish list were cut away as the Senate crafted an energy bill. While our work on this issue is not over, the outreach to Senators has made a huge difference.

After a fast and furious process on the Hill, a Senate committee crafted an energy bill last week that contains several remaining bad hydropower provisions. These provisions blindly trumpet the benefits of hydropower without noting the impacts, will make new dams easier to build, and weaken the study process that informs river protection and restoration below dams. These one-sided changes, if they become law, will favor hydropower dam operations over flowing rivers.

Fortunately, the Senate did eliminate some of the most egregious hydropower industry requests. You may recall they sought to wrench authority from the States, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribes, and other resource agencies. These agencies and their authorities are vital to our river restoration efforts and essential to reaching balanced outcomes that recognize the importance of rivers for recreation and fishery resources. The provisions that would have eliminated this authority are gone from the bill because the public (that is you!) has done a great job of speaking up for rivers and the communities that depend on them.  Thanks!

While we did well on this round, more work remains. This bill will see action again when it is taken up by the full Senate or when the House decides to work on the bill. We expect this will happen in the fall.  American Whitewater will continue to advocate for rivers and an appropriate balance between hydropower generation and other river values, including whitewater recreation. We’ll need your ongoing help throughout the process. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels to stay informed about when to take action.