Interesting developments are coming out of the political community regarding energy and the environment.  State and federal mandates are requiring increases in the amount of energy produced by “renewable” means. 

Until recently, that has been solar, wind, and geothermal.  Now, hydro-electric is being acknowledged as a source of renewable energy.  However, there is a growing movement to remove four hydro-electric production facilities in the Pacific Northwest from the power production mix.

Going back in history, the dam removal is not a new idea.  In the early 1990s, the proposal was presented as a means of recovering the spawning runs of salmon and steelhead. 

Fast forward to today and review an article published in the High Country News ( http://www.hcn.org/issues/41.8/salmon-salvation ).

Under the guise of Endangered Species Act, “science” is being touted as a means of saving the slamon.  But, what about the people?  Energy is a major factor.  Eliminating any type of energy production is short-sighted. 

More background on this topic is available under Google search on “wildlands project” and “Yellowstone to Yukon”.