Removing the Klamath River’s dams is now in your hands

This summer’s forecasted dry weather conditions are likely to put a strain on irrigators, tribes, and fish in the Klamath Basin. Years of careful negotiations produced the Klamath Settlement Agreements, and the terms in these agreements set a course for the best possible outcomes for Klamath Basin communities.

Fortunately, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources is showing leadership in support of the Agreements by setting June 20th as a hearing date for the Klamath Settlement Agreements. This is progress. But in order for this hearing to lead to action, we need to make it clear to Congress just how much is at stake.

Please take a moment to send an email comment in support of the Klamath Settlement Agreements to Klamath@energy.senate.gov. In your email, consider mentioning one or more of the following points:

• Drought conditions in the Klamath Basin are likely to increase local tensions this summer.
• The Klamath Settlement Agreements set a course for the best possible outcomes for all Klamath Basin communities, include farmers and ranchers, fishermen, tribes, ratepayers and other local interests.
• The Klamath Settlement Agreements represent the common ground among a diverse group of more than 40 stakeholder organization that have all agreed the Agreements’ terms will provide a stable solution for the region.
• Congress must act to finalize the Agreements, so that action can begin in the restoration and dam removal process.

To learn more about the hearing (and watch it live via webcast), click here.

With a dry summer ahead and the prospect of water shortages and higher power costs on the horizon, tensions in the basin are likely to again come to a head. To learn more about what is at stake in the Klamath Basin, see http://klamathrestoration.gov/.

It’s time to encourage Congress to implement the Klamath Settlement Agreements at long last. As temperatures begin to rise this summer, Congress can take action to bring relief to the Klamath Basin. These agreements are the best solution for Klamath Basin residents and other stakeholders – it’s time to put them into action.

Sincerely,

Jeff Thompson,
Executive Director

The Klamath Dams must go…

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