Trump Administration Signals Opposition to California Dam Removal Plan

The Trump administration may step in to block Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s $530 million plan to dismantle two aging dams on California’s Eel River, a project environmental groups see as critical to restoring salmon runs but farmers warn could devastate local water supplies.

Over the weekend, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins blasted the proposal on X, accusing California leaders of “putting fish over people” and warning of steep losses to farms and cities. Rollins said she is coordinating with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to secure “real solutions” for Northern California’s water needs, though her exact strategy remains unclear.

Dams slated for removal

The Scott and Cape Horn dams, both part of PG&E’s Potter Valley Project, funnel Eel River water into the Russian River basin, sustaining as many as 600,000 people and a robust wine industry across Mendocino and Sonoma counties.

PG&E, citing high costs and aging infrastructure, has filed for decommissioning with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. If approved, dam removal could begin as early as 2028. The plan would also erase Lake Pillsbury, a century-old reservoir behind Scott Dam.

Sharp divide over impacts

Supporters — including tribes, environmentalists, and Gov. Gavin Newsom — argue the move will restore fish passage and return the river to a more natural state.

But critics, particularly farmers in Potter Valley, say their orchards and vineyards would wither without the diversions. “The wells for the vast majority of people in the valley are going to go dry and there’s not going to be any water,” said Rich Brazil, a local veterinarian who joined a recent Zoom meeting with USDA officials.

Political clash

PG&E says it tried for nearly a decade to find another operator but failed, and insists its proposal balances river restoration with limited water deliveries.

Newsom’s office hit back at Rollins’ criticism, noting the dams are privately owned. “Surprised that Secretary Rollins doesn’t understand that PG&E is a private company owned by shareholders, not the governor or the Legislature,” said Tara Gallegos, Newsom’s deputy communications director.

Despite growing acceptance that the Potter Valley Project will shut down, Rollins’ remarks suggest the administration could mount an eleventh-hour challenge — raising the stakes in California’s long-running battle over water.