A Northern California member of Congress is opening an inquiry into the Trump administration’s bid to stop dam removal on the Eel River, citing potential legal, environmental, economic and water-supply problems. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, wants details on why Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is advocating for a Southern California water agency to buy the century-old Potter Valley hydroelectric project in Mendocino and Lake counties, including its two dams, and continue operating it. … “My concern is that this is part of a bigger water play,” Huffman told the Chronicle. … “There’s also a history here that can’t be divorced from this moment: Folks in Southern California and the Central Valley have had their eye on Eel River water for a long time.”

Other dam news:

• The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, Calif.): Huffman demands ‘clear and complete account’ of Trump officials’ role in Southern California water district’s plans for Potter Valley Project​
• Westside Connect (Newman, Calif.): Los Banos Creek dam upgrade completed, boosting water reliability and flood protection