PG&E Wants To Surrender Something, Government Suspicious
Published Date: 11/25/2025
Notice
Summary
Pacific Gas & Electric wants to give up its license for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project in California and use some project lands for other purposes. This affects local communities, environmental groups, and government agencies who can share their thoughts by December 1, 2025. The change could impact water use and land management, so everyone’s input matters before final decisions are made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Surrender and Dam Removal Proposal
Pacific Gas & Electric filed on July 25, 2025 to surrender the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project and proposes to decommission and remove Scott Dam and associated facilities in Lake and Mendocino counties, California. The proposal also would restore the remnant inundation zones of Lake Pillsbury and Van Arsdale Reservoir and nearby riparian, wetlands, and upland areas, which could change local water use and land management.
Proposal to Allow Continued Water Diversion (NERF)
As a condition of surrender, PG&E asks FERC to approve a non-project use so the Eel-Russian Project Authority can build a New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF) on project lands to continue diverting flows from the Eel River watershed to the Russian River watershed. That continued diversion would change how water flows are allocated between these watersheds in Lake and Mendocino counties, California.
Removal of Recreational Facilities and Land Restoration
PG&E proposes to remove licensed recreational facilities (campgrounds, day-use facilities, kiosk, and boat ramps) associated with the project and restore the affected U.S. Forest Service and PG&E lands. Removing those facilities could reduce public recreation access and affect local recreation-dependent businesses and services in Lake and Mendocino counties, California.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2025-20915, Pacific Gas & Electric Company; Notice of Application for Non-Capacity Amendment of License Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Pacific Gas & Electric wants to make some changes to their Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project in California, but these changes won’t affect how much power it produces. The public, local groups, and agencies have until December 1, 2025, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes are expected, but it’s a chance to speak up about the project’s future!
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