Developers have pulled plans that would have created two reservoirs upriver from where the Little Colorado and Colorado rivers meet in Grand Canyon National Park.
"A developer has withdrawn two of the three proposals to build a series of hydroelectric dams in the Little Colorado River watershed, projects that had drawn opposition from several tribes and environmentalists," reports Debra Utacia Krol.
"Phoenix-based Pumped Hydro Storage LLC relinquished preliminary permits for the Salt Trail Canyon and Little Colorado River proposals on July 26," Adds Krol. "The company told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that 'the study requirements and eventual environmentalist opposition makes investing resources in this project a very high risk.'"
The company left in place permits for a third project in nearby Big Canyon.
The demise of the projects is being hailed as a victory for environmentalists and several local tribes if indigenous people. The Salt Trail Canyon project was proposed on land sacred to the Hopi and Zuni peoples, and within the current boundaries of the Navajo Nation. "The Little Colorado River is also prime habitat for the threatened humpback chub and other species," according to the article.
More details on both of the proposed, and now rescinded, projects are included in the source article.
FULL STORY: Tribes cheer withdrawal of 2 Little Colorado hydropower projects but fear a 3rd
Colorado River Dams Could Stop Producing Hydropower
Officials are releasing water from upstream reservoirs as water levels in the river's major reservoirs fall to historic lows.
N.Y.C. Looking at Deal for Canadian Hydroelectricity
The city is considering a contract to purchase hydroelectricity from Quebec and might also provide funding for the energy infrastructure.
Last Dam in Klamath River Removal Project Comes Down
Salmon can now move freely along the river and its tributaries for the first time in over a century.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service