FERC approves license transfer for Klamath dams in ‘major milestone’ for salmon restoration

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday approved the transfer of the license from PacifiCorp to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation and the states of Oregon and California, as co-licensees, for the Lower Klamath Hydroelectric Project. The license transfer brings North Coast tribes one step closer to their decades-long goal of dam removal to restore struggling salmon runs.

“(This) order confirms that the Renewal Corporation has the ability, financially and otherwise, to undertake dam removal, and with the states, as co-licensees, the necessary legal and technical expertise required for such a huge undertaking,” FERC said in a prepared statement. “The surrender application is still pending before the Commission and is awaiting further environmental review as required under the National Environmental Policy Act.”

Yurok Vice Chairman Frankie Myers called Thursday’s announcement “a major milestone in the multigenerational effort to heal the Klamath River.”

“This action moves us that much closer to the day when we can begin removing the dams and restoring the river for future generations. I would like to thank California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown for the critical role they played in making the transfer a reality,” Myers said. “Dam removal needs to happen before it’s too late for the imperiled Klamath salmon.”

Removal of PacifiCorp’s four dams will open 420 miles of salmon spawning habitat as well as improve water quality and reduce critical temperature conditions that cause and increase disease in fish.

“This is a crucial and significant step forward in accomplishing KRRC’s core mission to remove the four lower Klamath dams and restore a free-flowing river,” said Jim Root, president of the KRRC Board of Directors, and a Basin landowner. “I am deeply appreciative to all of the parties who have supported this project over the years and I wish to especially note the significant and sustained efforts of our Tribal partners.”

Craig Tucker, a natural resources consultant for the Karuk Tribe, called dam removal the “single most important thing we can do” to advance fisheries restoration.

“It’s really exciting,” Tucker said. “I think it reflects the partnership between the Karuk and Yurok Tribes, the states of California and Oregon as well as PacifiCorp. Less than a year ago we got another big fat rejection letter from FERC that created a moment where the whole deal was at risk.”

Dam removal hit a snag in July 2020 after the FERC only approved a partial transfer of ownership to the KRRC, requiring PacifiCorp to stay a co-licensee. The Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, signed in 2016, was amended in November 2020 to remove PacifiCorp from the license agreement and add the states of California and Oregon in addition to the KRRC.

“So, they redrafted and rewrote the transfer application that was just approved,” Tucker said. “It’s the giant leap forward in recovery and it just can’t come fast enough because the fish are really struggling. If we can get these dams out, I do think we have a chance to recover salmon to the extent that there will be a return of the commercial and sport fishery that’s been here for generations.”

Regina Chichizola, co-director of Save California Salmon, noted the critical timing of FERC’s order.

“On Wednesday, the spring chinook the dams nearly wiped out were listed under California Endangered Species Act,” Chichizola said. “Both of these wins were the result of decades of tribal and community led action for the Klamath River and they came at a time when we need to see a light at the end of the tunnel. The devastating juvenile fish kill we are experiencing on the Klamath River is directly related to the Klamath dams, as are the dismal salmon returns over the last couple decades.”

Thursday’s announcement comes just one week after U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued a letter to FERC in support of Klamath dam removal.

“Dam removal will restore salmonid fisheries, reestablish fish passage, improve water quality, and bring new recreation and economic opportunities to the Basin,” Haaland wrote. “Moreover, removal will advance the Biden-Harris administrations’ commitments to combat the climate crisis, increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change; protect public health; conserve our lands, waters, and biodiversity; deliver environmental justice; and fulfill the Federal Government’s trust and treaty responsibilities.”

Hoopa Valley Tribal Member, Yurok descendant and Karuk Spring Salmon Ceremonial Priest Ryan Reed said the cultural significance of salmon goes far beyond biological opinion and policy.

“The Spring Salmon are our relative that is facing extinction and a part of our lifestyle, cultural longevity and the survival of my people,” Reed said. “These aspects, as well as many more, need to be addressed and I’m thankful, proud and hopeful to have the public comment filled with Native voices advocating for future generations.”

North Coast Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) said FERC’s order represents “a new era that recognizes the injustices of the past and invests in the future.”

“The tribes and stakeholders of the Klamath River basin have worked diligently for years to restore one of the West’s most important watersheds, and now FERC has moved to make this a reality,” Huffman said in a prepared statement.

North Coast Assemblymember Jim Wood said he is eager for restoration to begin.

“After a tremendous amount of collective commitment and hard work by all of the stakeholders fighting for the Klamath River and its fish and wildlife, especially the tribal community, this license transfer can move us forward in removing the four lower Klamath dams and restoring its natural flow,” Wood said. “I will now look forward to the approval of the Surrender Application so that the work of removing the dams can begin, followed by critical restoration work.”

FERC will have a scoping meeting in July that will inform the Environmental Impact Statement. Once the EIS is complete, FERC will make a final ruling which is anticipated by the end of 2021.

More information on Klamath dam removal can be found at klamathrenewal.org.