Take action to meet our water needs — without another big dam.
Have you heard about the controversial plan to build the 275-foot Centennial Dam on the Bear River?
In the 21st century, dams are a last resort because they harm the environment and have skyrocketing costs. Today, smart water managers are using sustainable and innovative solutions to meet future water needs.
We don’t need a new dam generating more polluting sprawl and traffic. Let’s work together to increase our water supply by restoring our forests and meadows, and use the water we do have more wisely.
More than half of the water in the upper Middle and South Yuba River watersheds is diverted to the Bear River.
Will they take more in the future when Centennial doesn’t fill?
“Highlights” of this indefensible budget include a series of water rate increases totaling 46% starting in 2021, a new $30 million dollar bond, and $500,000 in new spending on Centennial Dam each year until 2024. SYRCL and allies have repeatedly asked NID to stop spending on the Centennial project where legally possible—a move that is needed now more than ever. Details
In the latest in an ongoing saga of regulatory rollbacks under the Trump Administration, specifically targeting environmental protections, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently ruled that California does not need to provide water quality certification for the Middle Fork American Hydroelectric Project in Placer and El Dorado counties. This order effectively waives California’s authority to ensure water quality and environmental protections for hydropower operations. If this trend continues, FERC could potentially exempt licenses for over a dozen California hydropower projects from Clean Water Act protection for the next 30 to 50 years. Details
Since April 2018, SYRCL and allies have requested NID stop spending on Centennial where legally possible. This has clearly not happened and their proposed 2020 budget is fiscally irresponsible. Details
On October 2nd, SYRCL teamed up with the U.S. Forest Service, Placer County Water Agency and the Nisenan Nevada City Rancheria to understand the future role of hydropower in the Yuba watershed in meeting California’s energy demands. Details
Pledge to become a Centennial Dam Watchdog
We’ve assembled a strong team of Dam Watchdogs. Together, we are scrutinizing every angle of the Centennial Dam project and raising awareness of the impacts on the Yuba and Bear Rivers, water supply and wildlife.
With your help, we’ll shine a light on the project so the community knows what the dangers could be for the two watersheds.