Secretary Haaland withdraws seven letters regarding Klamath Project issued from Trump Administration; provides statement
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In response to worsening drought conditions in the West, including in areas like the Klamath River Basin, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released the following statement after removing seven memos, letters and analysis related to the Klamath Project:
“Water is a sacred resource essential to feeding families, growing crops, sustaining wildlife and the environment, and powering agricultural businesses. Unfortunately, drought conditions in the West continue to worsen, including in areas like the Klamath River Basin, leading to the potential for historically low water allocations. The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture recognize the urgency of this crisis and its impacts on farmers, Tribes, and communities, and are committed to an all-hands-on-deck approach that both minimizes the impacts of the drought and develops a long-term plan to facilitate conservation and economic growth. Our agencies are actively working with Oregon, California and other western states to coordinate resources and identify immediate financial and technical assistance for impacted irrigators and Tribes. We are also committed to robust and continued engagement with state, local, and Tribal governments to develop longer term measures to respond to climate change and improve water security.”
A copy of the memo removing the articles is below.
Karuk Tribe Applauds actions of Sec. Haaland
Today Secretary Haaland withdrew seven documents issued by the previous administration that collectively interpreted laws and policies governing operations of the Klamath Irrigation Project.
“These documents were issued without government-to-government consultation with affected Tribes and do not reflect the current administration’s goals for long-term water recovery and economic restoration in this region. The documents also conflict with longstanding Departmental positions and interpretation of governing law and should not be relied upon for any purpose,” wrote the Secretary.
The move comes as unprecedented drought conditions once again challenge tribal, fishing, and agricultural communities in the Basin.
“This is going to be a tough year for all of us in the Basin,” said Karuk Chairman Russell ‘Buster’ Attebery. “We appreciate the Secretary’s earnest commitment to consulting with the Tribes before any more decisions are made that affect our river and our fisheries.”