A new legislative draft by Rep. Greg Walden diverges significantly from a Senate bill regarding the Klamath River Basin, challenging previous agreements on dam removal and water distribution.
Jennifer Yachnin reports for E&E News.
In short:
- Walden's draft discards the central component of dam removal and introduces contentious new proposals.
- The draft suggests transferring federal lands to counties for logging, a move opposed by Senate bill supporters.
- With the current agreement expiring, legislators face a narrowing window to secure a viable legislative vehicle for the basin's future.
Key quote:
“The collaboration and cooperation reached today in the Klamath Basin is a critical step forward as we work to support healthy ecosystems and water reliability in the region for generations to come.”
— Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
Why this matters:
The Klamath River Basin agreement stands at a crossroads, with potential significant environmental and economic impacts. Dam removal and water sharing are pivotal to both ecosystem restoration and community livelihoods, embedding this regional issue into broader conversations on sustainable water management and environmental policy.
