Water Crisis Threatens Kiamichi River Project Approval

In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the proposed project by the Southeastern Oklahoma Power Corporation (SCOPC) related to the Kiamichi River. Board member of the Kaimishi River Legacy Alliance, alongside Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous, highlighted the critical issue of insufficient water flow in the Kiamichi River to support the project.

An excerpt from a letter by the Oklahoma Attorney General was presented, indicating that SCOPC has not submitted the necessary information or requested the required licenses and permits from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. This lack of communication raises questions about the validity of the pending application before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), as it may not contain accurate data on water usage.

The discussions underscore the ongoing challenges surrounding water resource management in Oklahoma and the implications for local ecosystems and communities. The meeting emphasized the need for thorough regulatory compliance and environmental considerations before advancing such projects.