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Destroy the Dams, Save the Salmon, End Source of Greenhouse Gases by Scott Christensen Wall Street Journal, June 4, 2007

Ms. Dalmia seems perplexed that there might be trade-offs between energy production and the environment. To her, the Klamath River hydroelectric dams produce "cheap, renewable energy."

There is nothing "cheap and renewable" about energy production that results in the destruction of wild salmon and steelhead runs and the jobs that depend on them. Her "cheap energy" requires enormous, ongoing, direct and indirect public subsidies.

There are many of us who acknowledge the problem of carbon dioxide emissions, but also recognize the social and economic value of free flowing rivers, wild fish and the jobs they provide. I would prefer to pay more for energy so that resources could be invested in energy conservation or have my electricity be generated by nuclear power.

By the way, two of the dams Ms. Dalmia cites as being on the "hit list" -- Elwha River and Matilija dams -- are completely silted in and generate no power, but still obstruct salmon and steelhead. I guess they could remain as monuments to "cheap and renewable" energy and that elusive "free lunch."