In a recent meeting of the Mono County Board of Supervisors, significant discussions centered around the ongoing issues with Liberty Utilities regarding the undergrounding of power lines and the potential impacts of the Rush Creek Dam project.

Wendy Sugimura from the Mono County Community Development Department reported that property owners have expressed frustration over Liberty Utilities' unresponsiveness to requests for underground power lines for new residential homes. The board had previously authorized a letter to Liberty Utilities in March 2023, which prompted a response claiming that the county was preempted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) from enforcing such requirements. However, Sugimura indicated that further research has shown that the county does have the authority to enforce local regulations requiring undergrounding. The board unanimously approved a revised letter to Liberty Utilities, requesting compliance and inviting them to a future meeting to discuss the matter.

The second major topic discussed was the Rush Creek Dam project, which involves Southern California Edison (SCE) proposing to decommission two of three dams in the area. Sugimura noted that while the county has a good working relationship with SCE, there are concerns that need to be addressed regarding the project's potential impact on the June Lake community. The board debated whether to engage further in the process, acknowledging the significant staff commitment required to navigate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) processes involved. Ultimately, the board leaned towards a cautious approach, suggesting a \"wait and see\" strategy while ensuring that the county preserves its right to comment on the project.

The discussions highlighted the county's commitment to addressing community concerns while balancing the workload of its staff. The board's decisions reflect a proactive stance on utility compliance and a careful consideration of the implications of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities.