(October 27, 2008) The controversial HidroAysén hydroelectric dam project proposed for southern Chile’s Patagonia will put numerous native species at risk, according to a report by the Oregon-based Conservation Biology Institute (CBI). Threatened species include salmon on the Baker River, the torrent duck and Chile’s emblematic huemul deer.

(October 19, 2008) Sarah Larraín calls HidroAysén’s EIS “a complete fraud"

(October 16, 2008) A leading Chilean environmental activist, Juan Pablo Orrego will share his analysis of hydroelectric mega-projects proposed for Chilean Patagonia, and will also explore the broader context of economic and political power that shapes energy policy in Chile and contrains opportunities for meaningful democratic process on environmental questions.

(October 12, 2008) Environment Minister Ana Lya Uriarte: “EIS isn’t up to snuff”

(September 17, 2008) In addition to displacing 14 families and flooding major sections of Region XI’s Baker and Pascua river valleys, the controversial HidroAysén dam project – by the company’s own admission – looks to encroach on a nearby national park. HidroAysén is a joint entity created in 2006 by Spanish- Italian electricity giant Endesa and Chilean utility Colbún. HidroAysén project would flood portions of the Baker river valley.

(August 22, 2008) Members of the umbrella group Patagonia Defense Council joined in Region XI’s Coyhaique on Thursday to demand that the regional Environmental Commission (CONAMA de Aysén) completely discard a 10,500 page environmental impact assessment (EIA) that the controversial multinational energy conglomerate HidroAysén submitted the week before.

(August 15, 2008) Electric Power Congolmerate Hopes to Dam Chile’s Pascua and Baker Rivers Multinational energy congolmerate HidroAysén submitted its environmental impact statement to the Chilean government Thursday morning, outlining its plans to dam the Baker and Pascua Rivers in Chile’s southern Patagonia region. The proposed project includes five massive hydroelectric dams that have come under fierce criticism from environmentalists around the world.

(August 7, 2008) In a recent story, Óscar Santelices, the director of Chile’s tourism bureau, SERNATUR, expressed concerns that the HidroAysén hydro electric project in Patagonia may hurt the region’s tourism business. He also said that he has expressed these concerns to the developers of the project.

(July 31, 2008) This study shows that a national policy based on energy efficiency and non-conventional renewable energy could reduce Chile’s energy demand by up to 4,000 MW, eliminating the need for large hydroelectric projects.

(June 18, 2008) A new poll concerning the HidroAysén dam project is raising questions not only about what Chileans really think of the controversial hydroelectric venture, but also about how the issue is being treated by the nation’s major newspapers.

(April 1, 2008) HidroAysén project a threat to Chile’s “pride and soul” says NRDC attorney