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003141 Memo - Executive Subcommittee, PSIAC - December 11, 1980 - page 2 nation, is divided into two main elements. These elements are (1) an inventory of hydropower resources and (2) an identification of social- economic, environmental, institutional and other policy issues that could significantly effect hydropower development. To date potential sites have been evaluated and screened for viability, and regional public meetings have been held, The report will treat separately each of the eleven Electric Reliability Council areas. The study will cost about $7.0 million and is scheduled for completion in October 1981. Final Report - Regional Water Resources Planninp, in PSIAC The Executive Subcommittee approved with minor revisions the final report on regional planning. The subcommittee recommended that PSIAC transmit this report to the Water Resources Council. Joel Frisch of the Water Resources Council said that the report was timely, and would be given serious review at WRC. Draft Letter to Secretary of Interior on Weather tlodification The subcommittee recommended the transmittal of the draft letter on weather modification to the Secretary of Interior but suggested that transmittal be delayed until after the new administration takes over, Water and Vep,etative Manap,ement Subcommittee The Executive Subcommittee recommended that the Water and Vegetative Management Subcommittee be given a charge .to monitor water augmentation activities in the PSIAC area, and to make recommendations for expediting these activities where possible. Endanp,ered Species Dr. Jim Johnson of the U.S, Fish and Wildlife Service in Albuquerque made an' excellent presentation on the philosophy, requirements, and administration of .the Endangered Species Act. The Act was signed in 1973 and amended in 1978 and 79, One of the most important sections, Section 7, instructs all agencies to work to preserve the species and to avoid actions which would endanger critical habitat. Under this section the consultation process would start with the determination by an agency that proposed action might affect the habitat. If a federal agency determines that there will be no impact, it is still possible for the Fish and l,ildlife Service to unilaterally initiate the consultation process, Although there is no enforcement provision which would allow the Fish and Wildlife Service to control the actions of other federal agencies, the Act does allow private individuals to bring suit if Fish and Wildlife Service recommendations are ignored, As of now, there are 234 endangered species in the United States, 49 threatened species, and 47 critical habitats, B-9 ,.