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 2005. Power companies that wish to use FERC’s TLP or 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.

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