FERC may issue a new license to the existing licensee or a competing applicant whose application is demonstrably superior.¹ In the relicensing proceeding, FERC does not assume that a new license will issue. Rather, FERC must determine anew whether the project is best adapted to a comprehensive plan of development of the affected river. If issued, a new license must comply with applicable laws at this time. In other words, a licensee cannot expect its current license to be reissued without modification.² FERC may also reject a license application, in which event the project will be decommissioned.

3.1 Purpose of Relicensing Proceeding

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3.1.2 Nonpower License