The Forest Service is preparing to reissue powerline permits issued to Southern California Edison Company (SCE) that serve local communities adjacent to and within the Inyo National Forest. The existing Special Use Authorizations have exceeded their expiration dates and updated authorizations are needed for continued use and occupancy of national forest lands.
The Forest Service will be allowing SCE to continue maintaining the grid in a safe and reliable manner while continually managing and mitigating effects to plants, animals, aquatic features, endangered species habitats, areas of resource concern, or any other area of potential affect. SCE is required to maintain the grid to standard and be in compliance with several state and federal laws and regulations, including the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) requirements. All authorizations will be consolidated into Master Permits and Easements with an attached Master Operation and Maintenance Plan, which will identify best management practices for all activities. This action does not authorize any changes to facilities, alignments, or to the capacity of the electric grid. Facilities considered in this analysis have been previously authorized with various special use permits, easements, or statutory rights and are eligible for continuance.
The Forest Service recognizes the importance of electric system infrastructure and the key role that NFS lands play in providing electric service to the public.
The Forest Service is seeking comments on this proposal during the 30 day scoping period. Please send comments, preferably by mail, to Jason Collier, jpcollier@fs.fed.us, by April 8. The words “SCE MSUP” must be in the subject line. If unable to send comments electronically, you may send them to:
SCE MSUP
Jason Collier
USFS Supervisor’s Office
602 South Tippecanoe Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92408
If you have questions about these grants, please write or call Jason Collier at jpcollier@fs.fed.us, or 909-382-2869.