Boaters and anglers trying to get greater flows on the upper Kern River have been frustrated by what they feel is an absolute betrayal of the river ecosystem by the one state agency they hoped would be their strongest ally – the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The advocacy groups have been urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to mandate Southern California Edison leave more water in the river as part of the utility’s ongoing relicensing application for its Kernville power plant, KR3. That process is delayed with one study not expected to be complete until April 2026. After that, FERC will likely deem proposals by Edison and other stakeholders “ready for environmental analysis,” which will trigger a 60-day public comment period. FERC is expected to make a determination on the new licence by Nov. 30, 2026.