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Independent regulatory commissions

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Seeks Extension for Historic Properties Evaluation Plan

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an extension of time to complete the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) evaluations for three unevaluated sites associated with the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project. The request follows the issuance of a new license for the project on June 16, 2022, which requires the implementation of the approved Programmatic Agreement and Historic Properties Management Plan (HPMP). PG&E has made progress in securing a qualified specialist to conduct the evaluations, with fieldwork scheduled to begin at two of the three sites this fall.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E has submitted a request to FERC for an extension of time to complete the NRHP evaluations for three unevaluated sites associated with the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project.
  • The evaluations are part of the HPMP, which was filed with FERC on June 10, 2024, and approved on June 28, 2024.
  • PG&E has secured a qualified specialist to conduct the evaluations and has scheduled fieldwork to begin at two of the three sites this fall, with the evaluation of the third site planned to commence in fall 2026.
  • PG&E intends to conduct agency consultations with the United States Forest Service (Forest Service) and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) following completion of all evaluations.
  • PG&E requests approval to submit the NRHP reports for all three sites to FERC by December 31, 2027.

Statistics:

  • 3 unevaluated archaeological sites associated with the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project.
  • 2 sites scheduled to have fieldwork begin this fall.
  • 1 site scheduled to have evaluation commence in fall 2026.
  • June 16, 2022: New license issued for the Bucks Creek Project to FERC.
  • June 10, 2024: PG&E filed the Historic Properties Evaluation Plan (HPEP) with FERC.
  • June 28, 2024: FERC approved the HPEP.
  • August 7, 2025: PG&E requested approval from the Forest Service via email.
  • August 12, 2025: PG&E received concurrence from the Forest Service via email.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Pacific Gas and Electric Company Request for Extension of Time - Historic Properties Evaluation Plan, National Register of Historic Places Evaluation, Forest Service 4(e) Condition No. 58. August 13, 2025.
  • Email from PG&E's Senior Cultural Resource Specialist, Kathleen Forrest, to Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, dated August 13, 2025.

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