ASA Joins Congressional Advocates For Fish Protection Under National Energy Legislation
by Janet Tennyson
Members of the American Sportfishing Association joined Senators Jeff Bingaman and Daniel Inouye in support of an amendment to omnibus energy legislation related to hydropower relicensing projects during a press conference on Capitol Hill yesterday.
Gordon Robertson, Vice President of the American Sportfishing Association; Bruce Shupp, Conservation Director for the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society; and Gary Taylor, Legislative Director for the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies participated in the Senators' press conference to call attention to proposed legislation that would severely jeopardize the health of hundreds of rivers and the fisheries they support.
The Senators plan to amend S.14 with language that would ensure adequate provisions for fisheries conservation during the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's review process for hydroelectric dam operations. In addition, the amendment would ensure a strong role for federal and state natural resource agencies and Native American tribes in that review process.
More than 1,500 power-producing licenses at 2,000 facilities would be affected by this legislation. The stakes are especially high because dam operations come up for relicensing only every 30-50 years. The review process allows consideration for modifications to dam operations if fisheries populations or access to fishing in rivers and reservoirs on public lands are adversely affected.
“We’re investing a lot in fighting for our fisheries alongside Congressional champions and conservation partners because the decisions made today will impact fisheries for decades afterwards,” said Robertson.
The American Sportfishing Association is the leading recreational fishing trade association, uniting more than 500 members of the sportfishing and boating industries with state fish and wildlife agencies, federal land and water management agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups, and outdoor journalists. The American Sportfishing Association initiates and supports efforts to advance fisheries conservation, fishing opportunities, and a profitable sportfishing industry.
