CONSEJO INTERNACIONAL DE TRATADOS INDIOS

Calvert Asset Management Company Resolution to Calpine Corporation

WHEREAS, Calpine Corporation faces complex problems as its proposed development of geothermal power plants impacts the cultural security and integrity of American Indian communities in the Medicine Lake Highlands.

WHEREAS Article 27 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which the United States is a party to, establishes that "persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right … to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practise their own religion, or to use their own language." The Universal Declaration on Human Rights confirms similar rights. Article 13 of the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples includes " … the right to manifest, practise, develop and teach their spiritual and religious traditions, customs and ceremonies; the right to maintain, protect, and have access in privacy to their religious and cultural sites; the right to the use and control of ceremonial objects; and the right to the repatriation of human remains." (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1994/2/Add.1, 1994)

WHEREAS, we believe companies must develop and implement a comprehensive policy on the rights of indigenous peoples, similar to Calvert's Policy on Indigenous Peoples' Rights, to effectively address the challenges they face when their operations impact the survival and security of indigenous peoples.

WHEREAS, the Final Environmental Impact Statement for our company’s Geothermal Development Project states that “both the Telephone Flat and Fourmile Hill Geothermal Projects are expected to result in potentially significant, adverse impacts to traditional cultural values … as the two projects would diminish or alter the qualities that make the Medicine Lake Highlands a sacred site and a traditional cultural property, and reduce the suitability and usefulness of the area for traditional activities. This cumulative impact is considered potentially significant and mitigation is not feasible.”(Executive Summary of the Telephone Flat Geothermal Development Plan EIS/EIR, February 25, 1999)

WHEREAS, a lawsuit filed by EarthJustice Legal Defense Fund challenging permits and approvals issued for proposed geothermal plants in the Medicine Lake Highlands, as well as media coverage on American Indian opposition, undermine the company's long-term prospects to address communities' concerns. Legal disputes with the community are an indicator of poor corporate citizenship and pose a threat to Calpine's commitment for long-term sustainable value.

WHEREAS, the Pit River Tribe has repeatedly voiced opposition to geothermal development on their ancestral land, and this concern is shared by many other tribes, as evidenced by resolutions opposing geothermal development in the Medicine Lake Highlands on the part of the National Congress of American Indians, the California Council of Tribal Governments, the Intertribal Council of California, and the International Indian Treaty Council.  Our company’s development on sacred sites therefore poses risks to the brand and goodwill of Calpine Corporation.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the shareholders hereby request Calpine Corporation to:

§         Cease and desist development in the Medicine Lake Highlands.

§         Develop, implement, and publish a formal written policy on the rights of indigenous peoples by September 1, 2004.

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