Policy Watch

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If you are interested in following today's burning hydropower issues, you've come to the right place. The Coalition's staff watches FERC, Congress, and state and federal agencies to track the policies and legislation that could affect your ability to restore the rivers you care about.

See the blocks below and follow the links to learn more and see what's hot.
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Federal Power Act

The Federal Power Act (FPA) enacted by the Congress in 1935 regulates non-federal hydropower projects. The Act also created the Federal Power Commission (now known as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC), which among other things is responsible for regulation of non-federal hydropower projects. Learn more about the Act and how it relates to hydropower licensing.

 


Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a regulatory framework that requires states to generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable energy sources.

Many states already have a RPS goal while others are developing such a goal.


Green-Pricing Programs

Many utilities around the nation include hydroelectricity in their green pricing programs- aimed at Green PricingGreen Pricingpromoting renewable energy sources. While HRC supports green pricing programs in principle, we do not agree with including damaging hydropower projects. HRC recommends that only facilities certified by LIHI (or an equivalent program) be included in green-pricing programs. We also call for greater transparency in the program so that customers know that the energy source they are supporting is not damaging to the environment.

Read the summary and the full report recently produced by HRC.


Feed-In Tariff

A Feed-In Tariff (FIT) is a policy designed to promote the deployment of renewable, FITFITelectric-power projects by providing assurance to a power producer that a utility will purchase the power at a set price for a set time-period. This report by HRC looks at FIT provisions in various states and analyzes how they will impact development of hydropower.

 

 


EPAct Rules

The rules of hydopower licensing have changed for the worse: the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (or "EPAct") gives hydropower companies new ways to avoid their environmental responsibilities. Find out what has changed and learn what you can do to fight back.


Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)

FERC new Integrated Licensing Process has changed the way that hydropower licensing works. If a river you care about is coming up for relicensing, you need to understand this process. We can help you learn.


Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII)

Due to national security concerns, FERC now restricts access to some information about hydropower dams. Learn how this can affect you and your rivers.