February 28, 2013
U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, yesterday announced he has formally introduced legislation to prevent the United States Army Corps of Engineers from installing permanent blockades along the Cumberland River. This measure, known as the Freedom to Fish Act, enables boating access to river tailwaters to continue for sportsmen and recreational fishermen. In December, the COE announced a plan to eliminate tailwater fishing on several Cumberland River dams in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Last week, Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander also said he is planning to take action to halt the corps’ plan. Alexander said his legislation would require the corps to conduct an environmental impact review before it could restrict public access to the fishing waters below 10 dams on the Cumberland River.
