The wait is over: 18 months after the Integrated Licensing Process became the new default process obtaining a hydropower license, FERC has published its first review of the ILP's effectiveness. The document, Ideas for Implementing and Participating in the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) is available for download from FERC's ILP effectiveness homepage. FERC has also put together a summary of comments that it received on the subject. You can read a copy of the Coalition's comments here.
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In July of 2003, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) introduced the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP), a new set of rules for obtaining a federal hydropower license. The ILP combines the tight deadlines of the Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) with some components of the Alternative Licensing Process (ALP) that facilitate stakeholder collaboration. The result is a hybrid that offers more opportunities for public participation with very tight deadlines, especially in the initial information-gathering stages of the process. The ILP became FERC’s default hydropower licensing process in July or 2005. Power companies that wish to use FERC’s Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) or Alternative Licensing Process (ALP) must obtain FERC’s permission to do so. The Coalition was heavily involved in the rulemaking process that produced the ILP, and we are tracking the first set of licensings to use these new rules to see how they work in the real world. Here are a few of the ILP’s features: Redundant processes are combined. The NEPA review and license application development will happen on parallel tracks, rather than having two essentially similar processes take place three years apart. Designed to reduce time and costs. The ILP features frontloads information gathering into a pre-application document (PAD) that is due at the very beginning of the process. It also requires early consultation with tribes and public stakeholders and early resolution of study disputes. All of these features are expected to reduce delays and minimize costs. More FERC involvement. FERC staff are now involved from the beginning of the licensing. They share responsibilities with the licensee and can help to guide stakeholders through the process. Improved opportunities for public participation. The public has opportunities for input from the outset of the process, beginning with consultation before the licensee publishes its notice of intent (NOI) to file for a license The public is also given the opportunity to comment on every step of the process. Related NewsFERC announces renewed call for science expertsUnder 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.  Integrated Licensing Process (ILP): Testing the WatersAdopted in 2003, the ILP was developed to increase process efficiency and integrate development of the license application with FERC's environmental analysis. After July 23, 2005, the ILP will be the default and a licensee must request authorization to use the Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) or the Alternative Licensing Process (ALP). Seven FERC projects, representing nearly every region of the United States, are the first to use the ILP and are hence the "guinea pigs" for the rest of the country. FERC Rules on Rehearing of Final ILP RuleOn January 23, 2004, FERC ruled on HRC's rehearing request for the agency's new licensing regulations establishing the new Integrated Licensing Process. The Commission addressed HRC's rehearing request in its entirety. It also ruled on rehearing requests from the Edison Electric Institute and the Western Urban Water Coalition. Keep reading for a breakdown of how FERC ruled on our major arguments. FERC unveils its new Integrated Licensing ProcessFERC released a major rulemaking today: the Commission's new Integrated Licensing Process. This process, also known as the ILP, will become the default licensing process on July 23, 2005. |
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