Despite opposition from environmentalists, native populations and a few Hollywood stars, Brazil is pushing forward with a massive hydroelectric dam in the Amazon (Christian Science Monitor, UPI). Billed as the world’s third largest hydroelectric plant, the project has its roots in Brazil’s military dictatorship more than 25 years ago.

Damming the Xingu River – a tributary of the Amazon in the state of Para – would continue Brazil’s heavy reliance on hydropower, which provides more than a third of Brazil’s total energy and more than 80 percent of the nation’s electricity (EIA). That’s a lot of low-carbon energy, but opponents say the price is too high. WWF-Brazil and other organizations have outlined an alternate path that focuses on reducing electricity demand while building up renewables and smaller hydroelectric facilities.

But the battle is by no means over. The case has been in and out of court for years, and opponents aren’t likely to give up any time soon.