Kern River 2003 Expansion Project

The Kern River Gas Transmission Company’s pipeline operations in California are authorized under an amended Incidental Take Permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, extending coverage for incidental take of protected species including the Mohave ground squirrel, desert tortoise, gilded northern flicker, western Joshua tree, and western burrowing owl under the California Endangered Species Act. This action, formalized through Minor Amendment No. 1 approved on August 28, 2025, and Major Amendment No. 2 approved on September 30, 2025, permits continued operation and maintenance of existing pipelines, meter stations, valve sites, and compressor stations across approximately 1,187 acres in San Bernardino County, from the Nevada state line near Primm to Daggett, California. The permit amendments extend the authorization period by one month and ten years respectively, aligning regulatory coverage with long-term infrastructure needs. Compliance is governed by strict avoidance and minimization measures outlined in the certified Environmental Impact Report and mandated mitigation protocols under the California Environmental Quality Act and Fish and Game Code, including adherence to filing fees and monitoring obligations. The California State Lands Commission serves as the lead agency, with oversight provided by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and key contacts include Alexandra Borack and Steven Recinos for administrative and environmental coordination. No traditional federal procurement elements such as pricing, contract types, delivery terms, inspection protocols, or FAR clauses are present; the instrument functions solely as a regulatory environmental authorization, with all requirements centered on ecological protection and compliance rather than acquisition or payment. Publicly available documentation, including the Environmental Impact Report and administrative records, must remain accessible to ensure transparency and regulatory accountability.