Groups propose improvements to hydropower licensing process
A coalition of groups representing the hydropower industry, conservation advocates, and Tribes sent a legislative package to Washington lawmakers designed to improve hydropower licensing processes.
The package proposes amendments to the Federal Power Act, which authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue licenses to build, operate, maintain, and remove dams. The proposal would significantly improve cooperation between FERC, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and resource agencies in the hydropower licensing, relicensing, and license surrender processes.
In addition, it would expand the authority of federally recognized Tribal Nations to protect their lands, waters, other resources, and treaty-protected rights. It also addresses climate change in the hydropower relicensing processes and improves the processes for surrendering licenses and removing non-operating dams. Further, the proposal would provide opportunities to expedite licensing for powering existing non-powered dams and building closed-loop pumped storage hydropower projects. Finally, it would improve the evaluation of projects during the licensing process.
The legislative package was sent to Congress and the White House for consideration. It is supported by American Rivers, National Hydropower Association, Skokomish Tribe, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Union of Concerned Scientists, Hydropower Reform Coalition, California Outdoors, Friends of the River, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, American Whitewater, New England FLOW, Idaho Rivers United, Foothill Conservancy, Gravity Renewables, Rye Development, Natel Energy, and Nelson Energy.
