Help Chileans Reject Patagonia Dams!

Chileans fighting to protect their rivers from
destructive development need you.

A new study released this summer showed that there's no need to dam Patagonia's rivers; Chile already has more than enough existing and approved generating capacity to meet its energy needs through 2025.

In spite of this, HidroAysén - the consortium planning to dam the spectacular Baker and Pascua rivers in Chilean Patagonia - resubmitted its environmental impact assessment (EIA) on October 20, 2009.

Last year, after HidroAysén’s initial 10,500-page EIA received thousands of criticisms from state agencies and the public, it was given 11 months to resubmit a completed EIA. The "Adenda" is almost 5,000 pages long, yet it still lacks crucial information about the impacts of the 1,500-mile-long transmission line required to send the power to Santiago, the economic benefits of the project, viable alternatives, and the effects of climate change on the rivers’ flows. Without this information, the EIA is incomplete. To make matters worse, the Chilean government agencies tasked with reviewing the "Adenda" have only 15 days to complete their review of this massive, dense document in, and, there's no opportunity for public comment.

Write to the Chilean government today to urge them to reject HidroAysén's EIA, and to instead promote less destructive and cheaper options for meeting Chile's future energy needs.

Personalize and email the letter below now!