On behalf of the California Hydropower Reform Coalition (CHRC), NHI negotiated a settlement (2003) in the bankruptcy reorganization of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The reorganization establishes the rates and other financial conditions whereby PG&E will recover its financial stability after California’s 1999-2003 energy crisis. The settlement provides that the 140,000 acres of watershed lands owned by PG&E, located from Mt. Shasta to Bakersfield, will be managed in perpetuity to enhance beneficial public values, including recreation, fish and wildlife, and water quality. It commits $100 million (2004) to a system-wide plan, enhancement measures, and a program to involve California’s youth in outdoors recreation and education. This is the first time in the nation’s history that a utility has committed to such system-wide management of its watershed lands or made such a contribution to outdoors education.
NHI represents the CHRC on the Governing Board of the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council which administers these commitments.
Contact: Richard Roos-Collins
