NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT AN INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Relicensing of Helms Pumped Storage Project NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the availability of the following document: Draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Relicensing of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Helms Pumped Storage Project (Project) The Project involves the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of the Helms Pumped Storage Project in Fresno and Madera counties, California. PG&E applied for a new license for the Helms Pumped Storage Project, which transfers water to and from Courtright Lake and Lake Wishon for power generation and water storage. The Project proposes to: (1) continue to operate the Helms Pumped Storage Project; (2) replace and rehabilitate existing recreation facilities; (3) designate approximately 36 miles of existing roads and approximately one mile of existing trails as Project roads and trails; (4) modify the FERC Project boundary to more accurately define lands necessary for Project operation and maintenance activities under a new FERC Project license; and (5) implement new protection, mitigation, and enhancement plans and measures. In accordance with procedures set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State Water Board has determined that an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) is required for this Project. The State Water Board is the lead agency for the preparation of the IS/MND. In accordance with section 15105 of CEQA, the written public review period for the Draft IS/MND commences on the date of this notice and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025. Written comments will be accepted until the conclusion of the public comment period on Friday, December 19, 2025, and should be directed to the attention of Jessica Dyke, Water Quality Certification Program; State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Water Rights; P.O. Box 2000, Sacramento, CA 95812-2000. E-mail: Jessica.Dyke@waterboards.ca.gov. The Draft IS/MND, including appendices, is available for review at the State Water Resources Control Board/CalEPA Building by scheduled appointment (email dwr@waterboards.ca.gov) at 1001 I Street, 2nd Floor Records Room, Room 2-114, Sacramento, CA 95814 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board by scheduled appointment (email info5@waterboards.ca.gov) at 1685 "E" Street, Fresno, CA 93706 during business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). The Draft IS/MND is also available for review at the Fresno County Library, Sanger Branch at 1812 7th Street, Sanger, CA 93657 during regular business hours (varies by weekday) and the Madera County Library at 121 N. G Street, Madera, CA 93637 during regular business hours (varies by weekday). The Draft IS/MND can also be reviewed online at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/water_quality_cert/balch.html IPL0292680 Nov 21 2025