The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate procedures and schedules at the federal and state levels for development of hydrokinetic energy projects off the California coast.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between FERC and the State of Washington to streamline the regulatory structure for development of hydrokinetic projects in Washington.

Through a press release issued last week, FERC has claimed jurisdiction over hydro projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), a region within three miles off the ocean shore.

In a comment filed yesterday, HRC requested MMS to describe the procedures, standards and requirements that would be applied for decisions on hydrokinetic projects.

FERC issues first hydrokinetic license for the Makah Bay Offshore Wave Pilot Project (FERC No. 12751-000) located offshore of Waatch Point in Challam County, WA.

FERC issued its first ever hydrokinetic license to the 1 MW Makah Bay Project in Washington state on Dec 20.