Paragraph 2 supports which of the following ideas about operating licenses for large dams? A. Since 1999 licenses have been renewed only for small dams. B. Before 1999, owners applying for a license renewal were more likely to have their applications than they were after that date. C. Strong public opposition to their renewal was common even before 1999, but it was based on safety considerations, not on environmental ones. D. The environmental cost of dams has been a minor consideration in license renewal applications since 1999.