The State - News from Jan. 14, 1988

Energy Secretary John S. Herrington and Interior Secretary Donald P. Hodel resumed sniping at each other over Herrington’s criticism of Hodel’s proposal to restore the Hetch Hetchy Valley reservoir to its natural state. Citing a cost of $6 billion or more, Herrington, at a press conference in San Francisco, said Hodel’s plan “ought to die now.” While the power generated by the Hetch Hetchy dam system--surpluses of which are sold by San Francisco--could be replaced at this time, Herrington warned that there might be future shortages. Hodel defended his plan, saying officials should continue to study ways to replace water and power generated by the reservoir, which is located in Yosemite National Park but owned by San Francisco.