Lower Klamath Project dams approved for transfer, demolition under Klamath River Renewal Corporation

Under a deal approved last week by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Pacific Power will transfer ownership of four hydroelectric dams, known as the Lower Klamath Project, to the Klamath River Renewal Corporation.

The settlement agreement provides a framework to decommission the four hydroelectric developments comprising the Lower Klamath Project and sets requirements related to their operation and removal.

CPUC previously determined that removing the project would be in the best interest of PacifiCorp — the parent company of Pacific Power — customers. Now the Klamath River Renewal Corporation will work to decommission the four dams and address declining fish populations, improve river health, and work with Tribal communities on renewal efforts.

“Our decision today is another step forward to advance this historic dam removal project. Through the collaboration of the states of California and Oregon, the Yurok and Karuk tribes, the federal government, private companies, and conservation groups, this region may soon enjoy cultural, ecosystem, and economic restoration,” Marybel Batjer, CPUC president, said.

The decision stems from the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, agreed to by 48 parties, including PacifiCorp, the governments of Oregon and California, Native American tribal governments, and more. It also follows approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which gave its blessing to the license transfer in June.

“Our decision today marks a critical milestone in this historic project, which represents the largest dam removal in the history of the U.S. Removal of the four hydroelectric dams is the first crucial step to restore the health of the Klamath River and the communities that depend upon it,” Commissioner Darcie Houck said. “I would like to thank the many stakeholders that have persistently pushed this process forward over the past decade. This accomplishment is a direct result of decades of Tribal and community action. I want to particularly acknowledge and thank the Yurok Tribe and the Karuk Tribe for their ongoing active engagement in this process and former Commissioner Liane Randolph for her leadership on this matter.”