Oppose new FERC rule aiming to build dams over tribes’ objection
Protect the Grand Canyon from Dams
The U.S. secretary of energy wants to get rid of a commonsense requirement that says regulators won’t approve permits for hydropower planning on a tribe’s land without the tribe’s consent. This requirement helped stop the Big Canyon Dam proposed on Navajo Nation land near the Grand Canyon. Urge regulators to keep the requirement in place.
Public Comment
On October 23, 2025, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reverse its current tribal-objection requirement. Instead, the secretary urged FERC to adopt a rule to prevent FERC from denying planning permits for hydropower projects on tribal lands based on the tribe’s opposition to the permit. This doesn’t make sense.
The deadline to comment is November 12, 2025.
Please urge FERC to keep its current tribal-objection requirement in place.
Some points you might include in your comments:
- The tribal-objection requirement allows tribes to put an early stop to developments that would harm important cultural and sacred sites.
- It is much more efficient for the developer to obtain consent from the tribe and work out concerns before applying for a permit.
- Tribes should be in charge of how their lands and waters are used. FERC should respect tribal sovereignty.
- 16 days is too short a comment period. FERC should extend the public comment period to allow tribes a meaningful opportunity to comment.
Your personal comment is an important way to help federal officials understand public concern.