Hydropower relicensing
Subtitle: stakeholders' views on the Energy Policy Act varied, but more consistent information needed : report to the Chairman, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate
Contributors: Rusco, F. W. (Frank W.); United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 51
Subjects: Rules and practice; Evaluation; Hydroelectric power plants; Licenses; United States; United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Other titles: Stakeholders' views on the Energy Policy Act varied, but more consistent information needed
Description: Under the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issues licenses for up to 50 years to construct and operate nonfederal hydropower projects. These projects must be relicensed when their licenses expire to continue operating. Relevant federal resource agencies issue license conditions to protect federal lands and prescriptions to assist fish passage on these projects. Under section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, parties to the licensing process may (1) request a 'trial-type hearing' on any disputed issue of material fact related to a condition or prescription and (2) propose alternative conditions or prescriptions. In this context, GAO was asked to (1) determine the extent to which stakeholders have used section 241 provisions in relicensing and their outcomes and (2) describe stakeholders' views on section 241's impact on relicensing and conditions and prescriptions. GAO analyzed relicensing documents filed with FERC and conducted a total of 61 interviews with representatives from relevant federal resource agencies, FERC, licensees, tribal groups, industry groups, and environmental groups. GAO recommends that cognizant officials who do not adopt a proposed alternative include reasons why in their statement to FERC. The resource agencies generally agreed, but commented that no explanation is required when an alternative is withdrawn as a result of negotiations.
Notes: Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Jan. 1, 2011).

"August 2010."

"GAO-10-770."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

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