Utility Dive•about 1 month ago
Tribes, conservation groups urge FERC to uphold veto policy on preliminary hydro permits
Key Takeaway
The DOE's push to eliminate tribal and agency veto power on preliminary hydro permits could significantly ease early-stage development for hydropower projects, but faces strong opposition and raises complex policy questions.
AI Summary
- •The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is urging FERC to remove the veto power currently held by tribes and federal agencies over preliminary permit applications for hydropower projects on their lands.
- •This proposed policy change aims to streamline the initial permitting process for hydropower developers by eliminating a significant early-stage hurdle.
- •The article highlights a direct conflict, with tribes and conservation groups advocating for FERC to uphold the existing veto policy, signaling potential regulatory and legal challenges ahead for hydro development.
Topics
fercpolicy