A panel formed to investigate the study related disputes in the relicensing of Merced River projects has found that FERC erred in limiting the geographic area which needed to be studied for impacts from the project.

Under the Commission's new Integrated Licensing Process, any study dispute will receive a formal hearing by a three-member panel. The Commission has initiated a drive to find technical experts in all hydropower-relevant fields that will serve on these study dispute panels. There is no deadline for applications.