Issues and Causes

Challenging the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act: SYRCL’s Perspective
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Challenging the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act: SYRCL’s Perspective

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The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) believes it is crucial to address environmental issues with transparency and a commitment to facts. That is why we question some of the assertions made by hydropower providers as to the environmental benefits of their product. 

In particular, we have some issues with the “science” behind their assertions and how that is behind the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act (H.R. 4045). This legislation aims to increase clean, renewable hydropower resources in the United States, purportedly to combat climate change and improve environmental quality. However, we believe it’s essential to critically examine its language and intentions.

SB 389: Take Action for Equitable Water Management in California

SB 389: Take Action for Equitable Water Management in California

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Water is the lifeblood of California, a precious resource essential to our daily lives and integral to our environment. Yet, managing this invaluable resource has proven to be a complex challenge, deeply rooted in the state’s Gold Rush-era water rights system. The need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in water allocation has never been more apparent, especially in the face of climate change. Senator Ben Allen, a Democrat from Redondo Beach, has introduced SB 389 to address this issue head-on. 

Victory for Environmental Protection: Clean Water Act Prevails in PG&E Hydropower Projects on Yuba and Bear Rivers
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Victory for Environmental Protection: Clean Water Act Prevails in PG&E Hydropower Projects on Yuba and Bear Rivers

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Marking the culmination of a multiyear struggle where Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) had sought to evade regulation of hydropower projects under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) shared that on September 5, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order that reaffirms the California State Water Board’s authority to enforce a “water quality certification” for new hydropower licenses granted to projects such as the Upper Drum-Spaulding, Lower Drum, and Deer Creek hydroelectric ventures.

The Possible Impacts of the EPA Redefining “Waters of the United States” on the Yuba Watershed

The Possible Impacts of the EPA Redefining “Waters of the United States” on the Yuba Watershed

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of ‘waters of the United States’ to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies are committed to following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act to deliver the essential protections that safeguard the nation’s waters from pollution and degradation. This action provides the clarity that is needed to advance these goals, while moving forward with infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities