June 13, 2001

Press Release | Contact: Kristie Greco (202) 225-6416


WASHINGTON, DC— Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) today applauded an agreement reached by the state of Oregon, federal resource agencies and PacifiCorp on the relicensing of PacifiCorp's North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project. DeFazio played a key role in bringing the parties back to the negotiating table when discussions broke down.

"Today's agreement is an extraordinary benchmark for dam relicensing," said DeFazio. "The fishery and ecosystem on the North Umpqua river will be restored while robust power production is provided to the area. This could serve as a template for the thousands of hydroelectric dams that are due for relicensing in the coming years."

In February 2000, negotiations on the North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project broke down. The Forest Service and PacifiCorp decided to abandon discussions and resort to lengthy litigation process that would have taken eight to ten years. DeFazio was able to convince the Forest Service that a lengthy Federal Energy Regulatory Commission process followed by litigation would not help salmon recovery and would likely jeopardize the habitat on the lower Umpqua. Consequently, the Forest Service dropped its unacceptable pre-conditions, and returned to negotiations.

Today's agreement will increase stream flows to improve fish habitat, restore and enhance the lower Umpqua watershed, and provide a continued supply of electricity to customers in the region.

-30-