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at this, time, is the judge and jury for resolving the requests for minimum flow require- ments. Although the resource agencies may recommend a minimum flow value, the FERC has the authority not to impose these minimum flow requirements. However, the trend influenced by Congressional representatives and the Courts is to acknowledge the resource agency request. It is the opinion of this writer that the United States is in a long transitional period in its awakening to environmental concerns. The desire to maintain the integrity of our environment has resulted in our ignoring the full effect that such decisions have on thE? costs to our economy. The environmental community is facing difficult choices in promoting restrictions for the development of hydroelectric projects. As more re- strictive regulations are imposed, such as minimum flow releases, new and existing projects may cease to operate. Energy production to meet the public's demand for electricity will be generated by more environmentally damaging sources, such as coal- fired stations. The acid rain effect on the same rivers where hydropower generation is being discouraged is surely of greater concern than the minimum flow requirements to enhance fishery population. If the environmental community is unchallenged in achieving its ideals, what will be the result? Certainly a society without hydroelectric generation is unacceptable. The Electric Consumers Protection Act requires a balance between environmental protection and cost of electricity to consumers. Balance requires cooperation and har- monious communication in an effort to achieve commonly accepted resolution. The preservationist attitude does not seem to recognize the benefits that hydropower pro- vides as an environmentally benign resource. W. B. Smith 5 IN