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~~~ implement power operating criteria for THE Glen Canyon Dam POWERPLANT that will ensure that 0Zen/~ant0n/~a~ THE POWERPLANT is operated in a manner consistent with SECTION 3 OF this Act." This ensures clarity as to the intent of both sections 3 and S(b) and makes it clear that the legal standard for the new power operating criteria is section 3 of the bill. Flood Releases With respect to "flood releases" from Glen Canyon Dam. adjustments were made in annual reservoir operations starting in water year 1987 which reduced the probability that sustained releases in excess of powerplant capacity would need to be made in the future. Formerly. such releases would have been expected to occur in one out of every three to four years. That probability has now been reduced to about one in 20 years by vacating more space in anticipation of the next year's runoff if need be. This change in annual reservoir operations at Glen Canyon Dam has been accommodated within the context of the existing Coordinated. Long-Range Operating Criteria. While the Basin States' representatives and the Commission do not believe that any further changes are necessary. the matter of flood releases should be left to consideration pursuant to section 602(a)(3) of the 1968 Act and the Coordinated. Long-Range Operating Criteria if further adjustments prove to be desirable. The suggested amendment of section 3 of the bill would accomplish this. Section S(a)(l)--The EIS The Basin States' representatives and the Commission support preparation of the EIS and have urged that it be accomplished in a scientifically sound manner and as expeditiously as possible. Furthermore. we support the test flow program at Glen Canyon Dam to produce the data and information needed to complete the EIS. In our opinion. the Secretary has ample authority to conduct the EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EIS must necessarily evaluate all reasonable structural and non-structural alternatives. Likewise. we understand that the costs and benefits of. and trade-offs between. all affected water supply, power, recreational. and environmental resources must be examined in the EIS in accordance with NEPA. Accordingly. we believe that section S(a)(l) of the bill properly refrains from legislating the content of the EIS. It is sufficient. as this section does. merely to set a deadline for completion of the EIS. Amendments which would dictate the -4-