N.C. Water Rights Applauds Gov. Perdue’s Support of State Recapture for Yadkin Hydroelectric Project

Raleigh, NC, September 26, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The N.C. Water Rights Coalition (www.ncwaterrights.org) is commending Gov. Bev Perdue for filing evidence on September 18, 2009, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in opposition to a 50-year licensing renewal request by Alcoa Power Generating, Inc. (“Alcoa”) for the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project on behalf of the citizens of North Carolina due to economic and environmental concerns. This follows more than a year of public statements by Gov. Perdue criticizing Alcoa for the firm’s oversight of the Project under its current 50-year license, including a fish consumption advisory issued by the state for cancer-causing PCBs found in Badin Lake that have been connected to Alcoa’s operations. The FERC is the final authority in granting a license for the Project, which includes powerhouses and dams along a 38-mile stretch of the Yadkin River at High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows and Falls Reservoirs in Stanly, Davidson, Rowan and Montgomery counties.

Gov. Perdue’s evidence presented to FERC demonstrates that by holding the license, the State of North Carolina will assure both individuals and industry an adequate supply of potable water. Additionally, the State, with public input, is in the best position to develop the potentially diverse recreational uses of this resource, maintain its aesthetic attraction, provide for prudent economic development, and establish the conditions conducive to and sustaining an overall higher quality of life.

The N.C. Water Rights Coalition also applauds recognition by the Governor and her administration that the State’s success depends on appropriate use of natural and human resources. The State has experienced considerable success in the field of economic development, which has brought a measure of improved prosperity to the State over the past two decades. Its continued success depends on its ability to use its natural and human resources even more effectively to attract and retain businesses and residents in the future. The State’s ability to control the precious natural resource of its own water will play a crucial role in the continuation of that prosperity.

If Alcoa receives the FERC license, it will have an exclusive monopoly on water rights to conduct hydroelectric operations on the Yadkin River for another 50 years, and the opportunity to make many millions in profits selling electricity generated from waters belonging to North Carolina citizens. Unlike other companies that generate electricity in North Carolina, Alcoa is not regulated by the N.C. Utilities Commission, and in fact sells its electricity generated from our water on the power grid rather than to N.C. customers.

The N.C. Water Rights Coalition is opposed to Alcoa’s relicensing because it believes the citizens of North Carolina will be better stewards of the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project, promoting high quality environmental reforms for the waters of the Yadkin for drinking, recreational activities and other purposes while at the same time offering economic development.

“While some have unwisely accepted Alcoa’s claims about the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project, it is very encouraging to hear that Gov. Bev Perdue remains steadfast in her understanding and commitment of what is at stake,” said Chris Bramlett, treasurer for the N.C. Water Rights Coalition. “She is a strong voice representing our water rights before FERC, and we in the N.C. Water Rights Coalition salute her efforts and dedication in this effort.”

About N.C. Water Rights Coalition:
The N.C. Water Rights Coalition is a coalition of North Carolina businesses and concerned citizens who have joined this statewide effort to inform citizens of the critical issues and decisions concerning water rights that affect all North Carolinians now and for many decades to come. For more information, visit www.ncwaterrights.org.

Patty Briguglio
MMI Public Relations
(919) 233-6600
patty@mmimarketing.com
PR Firms Raleigh, NC

###