§410aaa–51 Utility Rights-of-way

Summary

Keeps valid utility and company rights-of-way in the Mojave National Preserve (but not inside areas already set aside as wilderness) in effect. Southern California Edison may keep, upgrade, or replace its Eldorado-Lugo and Mojave-Lugo transmission lines or adjacent lines, as long as work is done to protect preserve resources. In the Eldorado rights-of-way there may never be more than three transmission lines. In the Mojave area any old line must be removed and the site reclaimed no later than three years after building the new line, and after that there may be only one transmission line there. If there are two or fewer lines in the Eldorado rights-of-way, two lines may be allowed in the Mojave area. No extra land can be added unless it reduces harm, and no more than 350 feet may be added south of the Mojave right-of-way unless a larger addition would lower impacts. Helicopter-assisted work must also minimize damage. The Secretary must make emergency-access plans within 180 days after October 31, 1994, working with Southern California Edison and, separately, with Southern California Gas Company. Southern California Gas may keep, renew, upgrade, or build on existing pipeline rights-of-way outside wilderness, and communications lines and the named mining and oil companies (Molybdenum Corporation of America; Molycorp, Incorporated; Union Oil Company of California d/b/a Unocal Corporation) may continue their existing rights-of-way. All such work must be done to minimize harm to preserve resources.