The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the U.S. released its five-year strategic plan (for Fiscal Year 2022 through 2026), which includes improving the siting and review process for hydroelectric projects along with interstate gas pipelines and LNG facilities.
FERC licenses non-federal hydropower projects. About 340 applications to relicense hydroelectric facilities are expected to be filed between FY2021 and FY2031, which is about one-third of all active FERC-issued licenses. In the plan, the commission said it is committed to timely review of license applications and ensuring transparency regarding the potential environmental impacts and required mitigation measures.
To achieve this objective, FERC plans to:
- Conduct thorough and timely technical review of applications to construct, operate or modify hydropower infrastructure;
- Assess compliance with environmental mitigation conditions in FERC orders during construction and operation of hydropower infrastructure;
- Conduct comprehensive and timely inspections of hydropower facilities to ensure compliance;
- Protect and improve the reliable and secure operation of the bulk power system through mandatory and enforceable reliability standards; and
- Protect FERC-jurisdictional energy infrastructure through collaboration and sharing best practices.
The fiscal year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan set out six priorities:
- Modernizing electricity market design;
- Improving the siting and review process for FERC-regulated energy infrastructure;
- Safeguarding electric infrastructure from emerging threats to reliability and security;
- Facilitating development of the electricity infrastructure needed for the changing resource mix;
- Improving accessibility and participation in FERC proceedings; and
- Promoting a strong and robust enforcement program.
The plan outlined how FERC will execute on each priority, including a series of related goals and objectives. The commission said it will report progress made toward each priority in its annual Congressional Justification document.
Under the Federal Power Act, the commission’s hydroelectric responsibilities include licensing, relicensing, and surrender and decommissioning. The commission’s review under NEPA must ensure transparency for stakeholders regarding the potential environmental impacts and required mitigation measures for hydropower projects. In executing these responsibilities, the commission plays a coordination role with its federal agency partners to meet anticipated timelines for review and analysis. The commission also maintains safety responsibility over all licensed hydroelectric facilities.
