PG&E Plans Water Tweaks to Save Salmon in California Heat
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Pacific Gas and Electric wants to temporarily change water flow rules in Butte County, California, from May to September 2026 to help save cold water and protect salmon during hot months. This affects local rivers and reservoirs on federal lands and aims to improve water use without extra costs. The government will check the environmental impact and share results by the end of May.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
West Branch Feather River Flow Cut
If you live in or use waterways in Butte County, California, the instantaneous minimum flow below Hendrick Head Dam on the West Branch Feather River would be temporarily set to 7 cubic feet per second (cfs) over 48 hours regardless of water-year type from May 4, 2026 through September 30, 2026 (the current rule is 15 cfs in a normal year and 7 cfs in a dry year). This change is intended to preserve cold water storage and provide additional summer flow to Butte Creek to help reduce high-temperature effects on Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon.
Philbrook Creek Flow and Reservoir Trigger
If you live in or use Philbrook Creek or rely on Philbrook Reservoir releases in Butte County, California, the instantaneous minimum flow below Philbrook Reservoir would be temporarily modified from 2 cfs to between 1 and 2 cfs over 48 hours from May 4, 2026 through September 30, 2026. If Philbrook Reservoir storage has not exceeded 2,116 acre-feet by April 1, 2026, the licensee may start the Philbrook Creek modifications sometime between April 1, 2026 and May 4, 2026, but only with support from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09811 — Texas Gas Transmission, LP; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Longwall Mining Panel M2 and M3 Project
Texas Gas Transmission wants to do some mining work in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and the government is asking people to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. They’re gathering comments until June 11, 2026, to help decide if the project should move forward. This could change local land and facilities, so your voice matters before any big money or construction starts!
2026-09636 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and refunds from companies like Questar Gas and Tennessee Gas Pipeline. These filings include changes to operating conditions and new rate agreements that could affect how much customers pay starting as soon as May 12, 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act by the listed deadlines in May and July.
2026-09685 — WBI Energy Transmission, Inc.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues and Notice of On-Site Environmental Review for the Proposed Line Section 32 Expansion Project
WBI Energy wants to expand a gas pipeline in North Dakota, and the government is asking people to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s the time to speak up before June 10, 2026. This project could change local land and wildlife, so your input helps decide if it moves forward safely and smartly.
2026-09562 — Texas Eastern Transmission, LP; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Kosciusko Compressor Station Replacement Project
Texas Eastern Transmission wants to replace 14 old compressor units with 3 new, cleaner gas turbines at their Kosciusko Compressor Station in Mississippi. This upgrade will keep the station safe, reliable, and better for the environment without major disruptions. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts before the project moves forward.
2026-09563 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and certificates. Companies like Louisville Gas and Electric and Black Hills/Kansas Gas want to change rates or abandon certificates, which could affect gas prices or services soon. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until late May to file your comments or join the discussion.
2026-09561 — Kinetica Energy Express, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline
Kinetica Energy Express is planning to build a powerful new compressor and related equipment in Louisiana to boost gas flow and fix pressure problems for their current customers. This $40 million project will make the system more reliable and flexible. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act before the set deadline!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06883 — Powerhouse Systems, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions
Powerhouse Systems wants to keep running the Weston Dam hydroelectric project in New Hampshire and has officially filed for a new license. The public and interested groups can now share their thoughts, protests, or support by June 5, 2026. This process helps make sure the project runs safely and respects the environment, with decisions and comments wrapping up by July 20, 2026.
Next: 2026-06885 — El Paso Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline
El Paso Natural Gas Company wants to build a new 9-mile pipeline in Texas to boost natural gas delivery by over 82,000 dekatherms daily. This $31.5 million project aims to improve energy flow without raising costs right now. People have until a set deadline to share their thoughts or objections with the government before the plan moves forward.