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DAMS AND DIVERSIONS more natural flows if they meant higher power prices. Moreover, agencies with authority to approve and regulate dams and diversions have not demon- strated much sensitivity for the plight of downstream parks. Despite obvious damage to downstream park resources from existing hydropower practices on the Colorado River, for example, WAPA refused to pre- pare an EIS on its hydropower marketing criteria until conservationists obtained a court order. The Bureau of Reclamation similarly resisted changes in operation of the Glen Canyon Dam, despite serious impacts to the Grand Canyon, until congressional action became imminent. The Bureau of Reclamation also recently approved a project that (depending on terms to be negotiated) could substantially increase diversions of water from the Gunnison River directly above Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, despite Park Service objections. And, at Olympic National Park, despite the location of the Glines Dam within the park and objections by the Park Service, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) asserted a highly questionable claim of sole jurisdiction to determine whether or not the dam should be relicensed. FERC also rejected Park Service requests for interim operation measures that would mitigate impacts to park resources during relicensing proceedings. In addition, the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA)" actually creates incentives for new small hydropower projects that, both individu- NPCA RECOMMENDATIONS: Congress should-enact appropriate legislation to better protect park waters . and water-related resources from dams, diversions and hydropower operations. Congress Should: 1. Enact legislation requiring the development of watershed-wide water management plans for all river basins and watersheds in which National Park System values are jeopardized by existing or proposed dams and diversions. The legislation should also require all agencies administering or authorizing feder- ally-funded or federally-sponsored dams and diversions to act consistently with these ,plans, The water- shed plans should be required to (a) avoid impairment of park waters and water-related resources, including natural, aesthetic and fish and wildlife values; and (b) require the implementation of meaning- ful water and power conservation programs. 2. Prohibit construction of any dam or diversion that will impair park water-related resources-unless it is based on a-water right "senior" to the affected park"and it is further"demoxasErated that: "(a) there are no prtident aril feasible alternatives to meet essential needs"to 15e served"by"the project; (b) severe hardship "" -will "resulf unless dam construction is authorized; and (c) all feasible steps have been taken to"avoid" or""" miniini~e"the need for the project through conservation of water and power; (d) all-possibl"e_~teps i~tvtll be taken to minimize harm to park resources. 3. Prohibit any federal agency from funding, or authorizing the use of federal, land fflr, any dam or diver- sion if the Park Service has determined that it is likely to impair a park's water-dated resources, unless the impairment is specifically authorized by Congress. 28