The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has opened a comment period for PG&E’s License Surrender Application (LSA).  This is an important step in the process of removing the Eel River dams and restoring the Eel River. 

COMMENTS ARE DUE DECEMBER 19th at 2pm PST

Now you have the opportunity to make your voice heard. The public comment period is a rare opportunity for the public to speak directly to FERC staff about Eel River dam removal by submitting comments.

FERC needs to hear from all of us – from you – why we care about a restored Eel River, our concerns, and above all, the need for dam removal to happen as soon as possible. Draft a letter to FERC to tell them why removing the Eel River dams is important to you. Consider including the following points in your comment letter:

• PG&E is removing the Eel River dams because they no longer generate electricity and have been uneconomical for several years.
• Removing these dams is in the public interest and is the best outcome for Eel River communities and PG&E ratepayers. 
• The dams need to be removed as soon as possible to reduce costs to PG&E ratepayers, mitigate safety and maintenance issues, and restore the Eel River ecosystem.
• The removal of these dams is critical for the recovery of salmon runs in the Eel River. A healthy Eel River fishery is important for Tribal, commercial, and recreational anglers.
• The non-project use portion of the application is broadly supported by local water managers as a compromise that resolves longstanding regional tensions over water. 

If you have particular expertise or interest in a specific area, you may be able to provide comments that FERC won’t get elsewhere. The more specific, factual material in the record, the better. Issues that you may wish to consider include:

• Environmental benefits of dam removal, including habitat and water quality effects.
• Tribal treaty rights and cultural resources.
• Downstream community and recreational  benefits. 

Instructions for filing comments with FERC

1. Navigate to FERC Online and follow on screen instructions.
2. Check your email for your eComment link.
3. Draft your comments in a Word or text file, so you can copy and paste them into the text box on FERC Online.
4. Search for docket number (P-77-332) and select the blue + symbol
5. Enter your comments in the text box, and select “Send Comment”.

Snail mail comments:

Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street NE, Room 1A
Washington DC, 20426

Your Voice Will Be Critical 

Now that PG&E has submitted its license surrender application, this will kick off a series of processes and comment periods where we will need the public to stay engaged. Make sure you are signed up on our mailing list and following us on social media to stay up to date on the most critical ways and moments to engage.