Opponents of B.C. run-of-river hydroelectric projects are celebrating a U.S. report that says many of the projects don't meet current California environmental standards.

Consultants for San Francisco-based Pacific Gas and Electric Company are assessing the feasibility of importing B.C. power. Their initial report indicates that B.C. run-of-river power doesn't meet state rules, which require projects to be 39 megawatts or less in size, "do not cause a change in volume or timing of stream flow," and "do not cause an adverse impact on instream beneficial uses."

In its report to the California Public Utilities Commission, the utility notes that state rules could be amended to take into account the different environmental conditions of B.C.

"Thus far, PG&E's consultants have found that [B.C. run-of-river] projects do not have major impacts on the overall environment of the watershed," the report says.

The Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union Local 378, which represents B.C. Hydro workers and is campaigning against private power, was quick to cite the California study.

"Even energy-starved California says that these projects entail too many negative environmental consequences," said Andy Ross, president of COPE 378.

The NDP is piling on too. Energy critic John Horgan, complaining as usual about the growth of private power and misrepresenting it as the privatization of B.C. Hydro, points to the PG&E report's conclusion that B.C. will soon have a big surplus of electricity to sell.

That's right, John. California wishes it had the problem of how to regulate big run-of-river projects that generate 100 megawatts or more. Arnold wishes they had that kind of rain, but the fact is we do. And if they can't buy the rain directly they'll take the juice for their air conditioners.

They'll be back. Watch California change its quaint regulations on small hydro. If they want to be climate action heroes they can boycott oil sands, not the cleanest and closest import they're going to find.

tfletcher@blackpress.ca