Dams and Hydropower

Proactive Action is Key to Balancing Future Water Demands with Supply
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Proactive Action is Key to Balancing Future Water Demands with Supply

The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) and our partners are currently working through a tangle of water issues which stretch from the highest reaches of our beloved Yuba River all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. This issue promises to impact how Yuba water flows into the Bay-Delta system which will have a notable impact on the health of the Yuba watershed’s ecology, especially for salmon.

Unlocking the Future of Yuba River Salmon: Advocating for Restoration Through Relicensing
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Unlocking the Future of Yuba River Salmon: Advocating for Restoration Through Relicensing

On January 16th, SYRCL and our allies in the Foothills Water Network filed comments with the Federal Energy Commission (FERC) requesting formal studies to help restore salmon in the lower Yuba River. Our comments also focused on the YWA’s Final License Application for the project and are part of the relicensing of the Narrows 1 Project located on the lower Yuba River.

PG&E and PacGen: A risky proposal for the Yuba River, our community, and ratepayers.
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PG&E and PacGen: A risky proposal for the Yuba River, our community, and ratepayers.

PG&E proposes to transfer all its hydroelectric assets to a new company – Pacific Generation (PacGen) This is the biggest and first-ever transfer of hydropower assets in California.  SYRCL believes that this transfer would benefit PG&E shareholders at the expense of California ratepayers, the Yuba River, dam safety, and the public interest.  

Analysis of the new Clean Water Act Section 401 Rule
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Analysis of the new Clean Water Act Section 401 Rule

On September 5, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order that reaffirms the California State Water Board’s authority to enforce a “water quality certification” for new hydropower licenses granted to projects such as the Upper Drum-Spaulding, Lower Drum, and Deer Creek hydroelectric projects.