Hydropower -- FERC Process

Introduction
Contacts
FERC notices
Status reports
Statutes (public participation)
Supplementary materials

Introduction

Under the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC) is responsible for licensing hydroelectric power projects. FERC's hydro licensing process involves consultation with state agencies, which may recommend license terms and conditions to FERC to protect and enhance water quality, fisheries resources, public recreation, renewable energy production, and other public interests. In addition, under section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (or the Land Use Regulation Commission in the unorganized area of the State) has independent authority to issue water certification to ensure that a hydro project will meet state water quality requirements. When FERC issues a license for a hydro project, the terms and conditions in the state water quality certification become part of that federal license.

The main purposes of these webpages are to:

Provide information to members of the public on teh status of hydropower projects in the FERC process; and
Facilitate informed public comment to state agencies on plans, studies, terms and conditions to be recommended by state agencies in the FERC process.

Further information regarding the FERC process is available through the FERC website.