The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking comments on a key element of the process to to remove dams on the Eel River - their Scoping Document 1 for the proposed Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project surrender and decommissioning. This document defines the scope of the proposed decommissioning process, its environmental impacts, and possible alternatives.

FERC is seeking public comments electronically, by mail, or in person in Eureka, CA. The comment period is open until September 18 and FERC has meetings scheduled on September 15th and 16th in Eureka where attendees can provide comments in person.

The Friends of the Eel River has more information on its website including a description of how you can make your voice heard by FERC to ensure they understand the public interest in timely and effective dam removal environmental restoration. Check out the link below to learn how to provide comments electronically, by mail, or in person:

https://eelriver.org/2026/08/13/action-alert-ferc-hearings/

A copy of the scoping document itself is available here:

https://eelriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FERC-Scoping-for-PVP.pdf