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 Seattle City Light
News Release |
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| Subject:
Seattle City Light Recognized for Exceptional Conservation Efforts |
For Immediate Release:
4/18/2008 9:40:00 AM |
For More Information Contact:
Scott Thomsen (206) 386-4233
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SEATTLE - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Credits Utility for Early Action to Protect Salmon
Seattle City Light and the City of Seattle are being honored by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for exceptional river conservation efforts as part of the nationwide 40th anniversary celebration for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
The municipally owned utility is credited for its voluntary efforts to protect and restore key habitats for chinook salmon and bull trout in the wild and scenic Skagit River watershed using the best available science. City Light has sponsored a wide variety of research, restoration and land acquisition projects throughout the area.
"Through these programs, the City of Seattle has demonstrated a commitment to conserving the outstanding natural values for which the Skagit was designated a wild and scenic river," Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Supervisor Rob Iwamoto said.
Through the end of 2007, the utility provided more than $2.3 million in direct funding for habitat restoration projects. Those projects attracted $4.8 million more in grants and state and federal matching funds for salmon recovery projects in the Skagit watershed.
Seattle City Light also committed more than $20 million to the resources of the Wild and Scenic River system, which went above and beyond any minimum requirements for a license to operate its three hydroelectric dams.
"The Skagit River is a jewel of the Pacific Northwest and we recognize the important stewardship responsibility we have for protecting it," City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco said. "Working with state and federal agencies such as the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National forest, area tribes, environmental groups and other concerned people, we will continue to demonstrate how it is possible to generate clean, renewable energy in an environmentally friendly manner."
Nearly 160 miles of the Skagit River and its tributaries - the Sauk, Suiattle and Cascade rivers - were designated wild and scenic on Nov. 10, 1978. The designation creates opportunities to address stewardship on a broad scale while leveraging funding and personnel.
The Skagit is the only river in Washington that supports all five species of salmon, plus steelhead and bull trout. It also is home to the largest wintering population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.
Seattle City Light’s Skagit Hydroelectric Project has provided electricity to the utility’s customers since 1924 and currently produces about 17 percent of the utility’s energy supply.
Seattle City Light is the ninth largest public utility in the U.S. serving more than 380,000 customers in the City of Seattle and seven suburban cities. City Light was the first electric utility to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions every year starting in 2005.
Representatives from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will present the city and City Light with a plaque recognizing these contributions to the Skagit River at 3 p.m. Monday, April 21 in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 600 4th Ave., second floor.
Photos and standard definition b-roll video from the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project and City Light restoration projects are available upon request.
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Seattle City Light is a publicly owned utility dedicated to exceeding our customers' expectations in producing and delivering low cost, reliable power in an environmentally responsible and safe way. We are committed to delivering the best customer service experience of any utility in the nation.
Seattle City Light
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