The last day of 2009 saw seven hydropower projects filing their application for certification with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute. In 2009 alone, the Institute issued certifications for nine projects throughout the country. So far, there are 46 LIHI certified projects in 24 states.

Avista Corporation has received a new 50-year license to operate its Spokane River hydroelectric projects (P-2545) that includes projects in Idaho and Washington.

American Rivers seeks proposals for river restoration project grants as part of its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program.

The June/July 2007 edition of The Advocate, the official publication of the Idaho State Bar, features an article on the hydropower provisions of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct). The point: "the EPAct... makes the [licensing] process more complex, litigious, and expensive."

The Hydropower Reform Coalition is seeking a new Northwest Coordinator to manage its Northwest operations.

The Twin Lakes Canal Company has formally begun its application with FERC to construct a new hydropower dam in the Oneida Narrows section of the Bear River in southeastern Idaho. The Oneida Narrows is the last free-flowing stretch of the Bear River in Idaho.

On July 28, 2006, FERC published a draft environmental impact statement for the licensing of the Hells Canyon Complex. The 1000+ MW project blocks all migration for endangered Snake River salmon and steelhead. FERC does not recommend any additional passage into tributaries or the mainstem Snake River for the next 30-50 year license.

FERC's deadline for all interested parties in the Hells Canyon dams to file their recommendations for terms and conditions in the new license was January 26, 2006. The federal National Marine Fisheries Service - the agency charged with protecting migrating endangered salmon and steelhead - submitted a simple reservation of authority. In other words, the agency did nothing and failed in its responsibility to protect these endangered species.

On July 11th, 2005, the Commission issued a new license for the Box Canyon Project on the Pend Oreille River in northeastern Washington and Idaho. The issuance brought a conclusion to the licensing phase of this project's extended history as a poster child for combative licensing processes. The license adopts mandatory conditions, including fish passage, submitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Washington Department of Ecology, and the United States Forest Service.

A study from Idaho Rivers United shows that salmon and steelhead restoration isn't only the right thing to do, it's pretty great for our pocketbook, too.