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Independent regulatory commissions

Klamath Tribes Oppose Swan Lake Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Klamath Tribes have submitted a resolution to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) affirming their opposition to the Swan Lake Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project. The project, proposed by Rye Development, has faced opposition from the Klamath Tribes and other affected tribes due to concerns over the project's impact on tribal lifeways, sacred sites, and sovereign rights. The resolution was adopted by the Klamath Tribal Council on September 24, 2025, with a vote of 9 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 abstaining.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Klamath Tribes have a long history of opposing industrial or energy projects that involve ground disturbance in sensitive cultural or treaty-reserved areas, dating back to a policy resolution passed on September 14, 1992.
  • The Klamath Tribes have previously denied any partnership or endorsement of Rye Development or its representatives regarding the Swan Lake project, citing a lack of free, prior, and informed consent from the General Council.
  • The resolution specifically rejects any implied or stated endorsement of the Swan Lake or similar pumped hydro projects, citing the democratic decisions of the General Council and cultural values of the Klamath people.
  • The Klamath Tribes stand in solidarity with the Yakama Nation and other affected tribes in calling for FERC to deny the Goldendale and Swan Lake licenses, citing the irreversible harm these projects would cause to tribal lifeways, sacred sites, and sovereign rights.
  • The resolution directs the Tribal Chairman to transmit the resolution to FERC, relevant federal agencies, congressional delegates, and Tribal partners, and to publicly clarify that Rye Development does not have or recognize the sovereignty of The Klamath Tribes.

Statistics:

  • The Klamath Tribes' resolution was adopted by a vote of 9 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 abstaining.
  • The resolution was certified by the Tribal Council Chairman and Secretary on October 15, 2025.
  • The Klamath Tribes' opposition to the Swan Lake project is part of a broader trend of tribal resistance to industrial and energy projects that prioritize corporate interests over tribal sovereignty and cultural values.
  • The Goldendale and Swan Lake projects, if approved, would cause irreversible harm to tribal lifeways, sacred sites, and sovereign rights, according to the Klamath Tribes and other affected tribes.

Sources:

  • Tribal Council Resolution TC 2025-038, September 24, 2025
  • The Klamath Tribes, [CERTIFICATION section of the resolution], October 15, 2025
  • The complete document can be viewed at https://elibrary.ferc.gov

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