WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is stepping in on behalf of California farmers and ranchers amid a dispute over proposed hydroelectric dam removals that could significantly impact water supplies for agriculture. The issue centers on several hydro projects in Northern California, where Rollins says state and federal officials are prioritizing fish protections over farming operations.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has proposed shutting down two dams along the Eel River, arguing that hydroelectric power generation at those sites is no longer economically viable. The utility says rising regulatory costs tied to fish safety and environmental compliance have made continued operation impractical. Under PG&E’s plan, the dams would be removed, allowing the river to return to its natural flow. While supporters argue the move would benefit fish populations and river ecosystems, local farmers warn it would eliminate a critical source of water for nearby agricultural operations.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Secretary Rollins to intervene, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region. In response, Rollins has filed an official notice to intervene in the process. The USDA says the move will ensure that farmers, ranchers, and rural communities have proper representation as decisions are made.
Rollins has emphasized that agricultural producers must have a seat at the table when major water and infrastructure decisions are considered, particularly in drought-prone regions where water access is already strained.
The intervention sets the stage for increased federal involvement as the future of the Eel River dams continues to be debated.
In part three of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen covers the Corps of Engineers’ mismanagement of Missouri River water levels.
January 30, 2024 02:29 PM
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Two more key developments in ag law and taxation from 2023, a crackdown on biodiesel fraud and developments in self-employment taxation (#7 and #6), are the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post, the second in a series by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger McEowen.
January 18, 2024 12:44 PM
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The start of the review of the most important ag law and tax developments of 2023—that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger A. McEowen
January 04, 2024 12:20 PM
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As we start the new year, let’s take a look at some of the legislative items from 2023 affecting agriculture that will continue to play out in the political area for months to come.
January 02, 2024 12:00 PM
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Recent developments in ag law and tax — that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV-Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
December 19, 2023 02:45 PM
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December 08, 2023 09:56 AM
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Shaun Haney, host of Rural Radio Channel 147’s Real Ag Radio, joined us Friday on Market Day Report with an update on the important vote involving the use of ag machinery in Canada.
November 03, 2023 02:14 PM
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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke with RFD-TV’s own Susan Alexander this Monday morning on the Market Day Report to explain Arkansas’s recently passed giving lawmakers greater authority to sanction foreign ag-land ownership within the state.
October 30, 2023 12:51 PM
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The meaning of a “double-fraction” clause and the impact on future oil and gas conveyances—that is the topic of today’s blog post by RFD-TV Agril-Legal expert Roger McEowen.
October 13, 2023 03:28 AM
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