American Rivers and NHA Pleased to Host Workshop on Climate Change and Hydropower

Scientists, industry, conservationists, and regulators share views on the future

January 28, 2010

Washington, DC -- American Rivers and the National Hydropower Association (NHA) are pleased to host today's joint workshop, “Climate Change and Hydropower Management: Is Existing Science Useful Yet?”
 
The event features representatives from scientific organizations, conservation groups, industry, academics, and regulators.  Topics include:

• An Overview of Science and Regional Impacts
• Models and Approaches
• Using Climate Projections in Decision-Making, and Dealing with Uncertainty
• Climate Change Science and Hydropower Management: Starting the Dialogue

 
The two organizations expressed their support for building a dialogue and exploring these issues further.  Identifying ways to better utilize hydropower resources to address climate change and preserving our natural resources is a high priority for both American Rivers and NHA. 
 
“American Rivers is committed to helping communities build resilience to climate change by protecting and restoring rivers,” said Steve Rothert, Director of American Rivers California Field Office.  “By grounding our solutions in science and working with NHA and other interests, we will craft a productive path forward.”
 
NHA Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci agreed.  “The potential impacts of climate change on water resources in the United States may affect their many uses from power generation to irrigation to aquatic species protection and more.  That's a concern that conservation groups like American Rivers and industry groups like NHA share.  I'm pleased that we have the opportunity to work together and offer an inclusive process as we build the scientific knowledge base on climate change and hydropower management.”
 
Steve Rothert and Church Ciocci also thanked Brookfield Renewable Power and the Cox Family Foundation for acting as leadership sponsors of this event.
 
For more details about the workshop, visit www.hydro.org and www.americanrivers.org.

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.