As the nation’s dam continue to age, hundreds of communities across the country are struggling with decisions about how to deal with the cost to operate, maintain and repair these structures.  For some, dam removal can be the most prudent choice by eliminating safety hazards, restoring the environment, and revitalizing the community.

Lori Anne Dolqueist is a Partner with law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in San Francisco and focuses her practice on utility regulatory issues, particularly in matters involving water utilities. She has represented numerous regulated utilities, as well as other interested entities, in a variety of regulatory matters. Ms. Dolqueist can be reached at (415) 291-7452 or ldolqueist@manatt.com. This column is part of a series of articles by law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP’s Energy, Environment & Natural Resources practice. Earlier columns have discussed Sustainable/Energy Retrofits of Commercial Buildings, Demand-Response and Energy Efficiency Programs, California’s Cap and Trade Program, Demise of Redevelopment in California, What’s Next for the Renewable Power Industry and Renewable Energy Projects On Tribal Lands.