At the southernmost tip of South America lies a land of stunning natural contrasts: the towering Andes rise sharply from the cold deep waters of the Pacific, creating a rugged expanse of coastal islands, dense rainforests, snow-capped glaciers and powerful wild rivers. One of the world's least-spoiled regions, Patagonia is a lush refuge for the pudu, a miniature deer, as well as the southern river otter and countless other rare and diverse wildlife species. Along the coast, clear rivers flow into one of the world's most important blue whale nurseries and jagged fjords bustle with sea lion colonies.

Today, though, two energy companies, Endesa and Colbun, are pushing to build hydro-electric dams on at least half a dozen rivers in Patagonia. The scheme would lay waste to this thriving region, flooding thousands of acres of irreplaceable wildlife habitat. As part of the same plan, Brookfield Consortium, a Canadian company, would clearcut a 1,400-mile swath through five national parks and two wilderness reserves to make way for the world's largest transmission line.

In August 2008, Endesa and Colbun submitted a 10,500-page environmental impact assessment on five proposed dams. The EIA does not assess, let alone mention, the impacts of the transmission line. Nor does the EIA examine energy alternatives in Chile that won't destroy Patagonia's world-renowned rivers and wildlife habitat. In October, a number of governmental technical agencies pointed out several flaws in the EIA, including the lack of consideration of the danger of glacial lake flooding. The deadline for submission of public comments on the EIA is November 24th.

Urge Chilean officials to reject the environmental impact assessment for a massive hydroelectric scheme in Patagonia.

Photo credits: Coastline, © Tui De Roy. Blue whale tail, © Flip Nicklin.