August 6, 2019 — The long-running controversy over the Potter Valley Project is playing out in a constellation of coalitions, commisisons, and committees. Since PG&E abandoned the project, a new coalition has sprung up out of an ad hoc committee, led by Congressman Jared Huffman, to try and take over the license. Huffman’s committee includes the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, and the Wiyot Tribe.The new coalition has also stated its desire to invite tribes to join the effort to take over the license. Round Valley was mentioned by name in an agreement all the current members approved. But last month, Wiyot and Round Valley leadership walked out of an ad hoc committee meeting, in solidarity with Bear River, an Eel River tribe they believe should be included in Huffman’s group.
Ted Hernandez, the Wiyot tribal Chairman, says this tribal coalition is interested above all in the health of the Eel River.