BUSH ADMINISTRATION OKs MAJOR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT NEAR MT. SHASTA
Previously Denied, Project Would Develop Sacred Lands, Ancient Forest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 26, 2002
Contact: Ryan Henson, CWC, 530-902-1648
November 26, 2002 -The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management announced today they are approving Calpine Corporation's application to build the proposed Telephone Flat geothermal development in northeastern California's Medicine Lake Highlands, a region of the Modoc National Forest in Siskiyou County. Under President Clinton, the two agencies in 2000 had denied Calpine permission to develop the project because of its impact on Native American cultural values and the environment.
The California Wilderness Coalition (CWC), Medicine Lake Citizens for Quality Environment, Save Mount Shasta Association, Pit River Tribe, Sierra Club, and other groups oppose the development because it would harm the ecological and cultural resources of the Highlands. The area is sacred to the Klamath, Shasta, Pit River and Modoc tribes, and is characterized by unique volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and rare species.
Mary Wells, executive director of the CWC, condemned the government's reversal. "Notions of right and wrong should not change every time the occupant of the White House changes," said Wells.
Calpine is seeking to profit from the "green energy" credits extended to it under California's energy deregulation program. The company plans to drill several wells, build high-standard roads, construct miles of high-tension powerline, and clearcut forest to build its proposed facilities. "This proposed development is about as 'green' as clearcutting ancient redwoods to erect solar panels" said Ryan Henson, policy director of the CWC.
The Forest Service and BLM did offer one concession to conservationists by rerouting a proposed powerline that would have cut in half the Mount Hoffman Roadless Area and passed near the Lava Beds National Monument. While grateful for this concession, conservationists still oppose the powerline because the new proposed route will pass through important old-growth forest habitat.
The CWC and traditional members of four tribes will continue to oppose the Telephone Flat project because of Medicine Lake's immense cultural and ecological values. There are also substantial soil, water, and air quality concerns, as well as much debate as to whether the energy produced by the geothermal development projects is needed in the first place.
"While the production of green energy is a worthy goal, even the most worthwhile development projects do not belong in our nation's few remaining wild places" notes Henson. Opponents of the projects will now devote all of their energy and resources to stopping the Telephone Flat project.
Founded in 1976, the California Wilderness Coalition defends
the pristine landscapes that make California unique, provide a home to our wildlife,
and preserve a place for spiritual renewal.
# # #
|
Just three miles off of Interstate 80, 
