Chelan PUD is proposing to incorporate an innovative new approach known as "outcome-based standards" into the relicensing of Rocky Reach Hydroelectric Project.
The outcome-based standards approach focuses on the achievement of environmental outcomes rather than on the operational procedures that are associated with traditional "command and control" environmental regulation. It is part of a growing trend embraced by President Bush that emphasizes "real results" as the ultimate goal of environmental policy. Chelan PUD believes that the Rocky Reach project relicensing will provide the ideal opportunity to demonstrate how concentrating on outcomes can simplify the complex hydroelectric relicensing process while preserving beneficial uses and more effectively meeting environmental standards.
The OBS effort will build on the concepts, experience, and trust established during the development of the HCP to design outcome-based standards to address ongoing Project impacts.