FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to streamline the permitting process for small-scale hydropower projects that utilize existing dams or other infrastructures such as canals and conduits.

A water treatment plan in Colorado will now generate power after the operator obtained a license exemption from FERC.

FERC has released the final environmental assessment for an application to continue operation of Ames Hydroelectric Project, just north of Telluride, Colorado.

FERC issued a preliminary permit for a proposed 220MW pumped storage project on on Brush Hollow Creek of the Arkansas River in Colorado.

A proposed hydropower project on the Gunnison River in Colorado languished for 25 years before finally being laid to rest in December. The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association had proposed to construct a facility that could have diverted over 1,000 cfs from flowing through the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park year-round.

Trout Unlimited challenged the Association's expiring water rights, leading the Association to back down from their proposal on December 27, 2004. The Association also failed to receive a FERC license after unsuccessful bids in the mid-1980s.