The Deadline for receipt of comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding issuance of the annual license extension is Monday, November 28^th, 5:00pm EST.

Address Correspondence to:
Ms. Magalie R. Salas
Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington D.C. 20426

Comments must bear in all capital letters the title ‘‘COMMENTS,’’ and Project No. 2082–039. Comments may be filed electronically via the internet in lieu of paper. See instructions on the Commission’s website under the ‘‘e-filing’’ link http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp For assistance with the FERC Website call 866-208-3676. You need to sign up, then go to "Comment on Filing", then type in"P-2082", then scroll down to 039, then attach file of your letter.

Copies of the petition for declaratory order are on file with the Commission and are available for public inspection on the Web at http://www.ferc.gov/onlinerims.html

Talking points listed below are guidelines that can be used. Also, included here is a sample letter developed by one Klamath Project Water User.  Letters need not be long, we suggest using one or two points along with the theme of supporting the Motion for Declaratory Order that was submitted by the Department of the Interior.

• We support the Motion for Declaratory Order submitted by the Department of the Interior and urge FERC to expedite their decision as to not negatively impact the local agricultural economy.

• The 1956 Contract between between the utility and the Department of Interior is a condition on PacifiCorp’s original license for Project 2082. Section 15(a)(1) of the Federal Power Act states that "the commission shall issue from year to year an annual license to the then licensee under the terms and conditions of the existing license…"

• Urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend all terms and conditions, including contract power rates for irrigators, with any annual extensions of PacifiCorp’s license to operate Project 2082.

• When combined with the pumping costs of the drainage and irrigation districts an increase of this magnitude will certainly have profound consequences for Klamath Basin agriculture.

• PacifiCorp and its customers receive a net benefit from low cost drainage and irrigation pumping. Return flows to the river from agriculture are higher than ever before because of project and irrigation efficiency. This water use efficiency requires substantial use of power.

• Not granting the extension of all terms and conditions of the original license would result in an estimated 2600% increase to family farms and ranches in the Klamath Basin. (source: Mark Van Camp, P.E., MBK Engineers – Sacramento, CA)

• It is essential for the local farm economy and related infrastructure that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission expedites its decision. Farm and ranch budgets, bank loans and procurement of agricultural inputs must be secured well before the expiration of the license. FERC’s decision will weigh heavily on these and other issues.

______________________________________

Ms. Magalie R. Salas
Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington D.C. 20426 

RE: COMMENTS; Project # 2082-039

Dear Ms. Salas,

-  For 90 years the United States allowed PacifiCorp and it's predecessor to generate hydro-power on the Klamath River as long as the utility provided Reclamation's affordable power needs for water pumping as required by the 1956 Klamath Compact, a federal law.

- Water conservation and quality are contingent on affordable power for water pumping on Klamath Basin farms and ranches.

- Water storage and conservation development, paid for by agriculture, have increased electrical generating profitability of PacifiCorp.  PacifiCorp rate payers benefit from Klamath Basin farm and ranch conservation practices.

- Upper Klamath Basin farms and ranches are family held enterprises preserving the heritage and traditions of rural America, while contributing to a world economy.

- The United States in partnership with Klamath agricultural producers have invested $50 million, with another $25 million by the end of 2007 through the EQUIP process in the name of water conservation.  Those conservation efforts are dependent on affordable energy, and will be lost if FERC does not extend the condition to require affordable power to PacifiCorp FERC licenses or license extensions.

 -I (We) request that the PacifiCorp FERC license for Project # 2082 only be extended with all current conditions and contracts.  We would further request that FERC license renewals continue THE condition requiring PacifiCorp to come to compensatory terms with Upper Klamath Basin irrigation interests before a new license is issued.

Regards,