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"A developer has withdrawn two of the three proposals to build a series of hydroelectric dams in the Little Colorado River watershed, projects that had drawn opposition from several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More details on both of the proposed, and now rescinded, projects are included in the source article.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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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