In an April 14, 2005 order, FERC permitted Verdant Power to test its new "damless" hydropower technology without a license on Roosevelt Island in the East River in New York City. At the end of an 18-month test period, Verdant must return to FERC and seek a new license in order to continue operating.

On January 19, 2005, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected Green Island Power Authority's (GIPA) bid for a preliminary permit to construct a new dam on the Mohawk River in upstate New York. P-12522 (also known as the Cohoes Falls project) would consist of a 20-foot dam above Cohoes Falls and a powerhouse below the falls.

The U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver has ruled that federal energy regulators acted properly in citing environmental concerns and citizen opposition when rejecting preliminary permit applications for two new hydroelectric dams on the mid-Snake River near Twin Falls.

Two weeks after conservation groups filed a motion to dismiss a permit to construct hydropower facilities on the upper Snake River, the prospecting company withdrew their permit. Those of us who treasure the Snake River and its spectacular wild trout fishery can breathe a little easier.

FERC issued a preliminary permit for a proposed 17.63MW project on the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois.

FERC issued a preliminary permit for a proposed 6.6MW project on the Des Plaines River in Illinois.

FERC issued a preliminary permit for a proposed 330MW project on the Chakachamna River in Alaska.

FERC issued a preliminary permit for a proposed 220MW pumped storage project on on Brush Hollow Creek of the Arkansas River in Colorado.

FERC issued a preliminary permit for a proposed 189MW pumped storage project in Essex County, New York.

FERC issued a preliminary permit for a proposed 500kW project on the Elkhart River in Indiana.