The use of voluntary license amendments in relicensing: A case study

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:219986

Maher, J L; Graham, M J ^[1]

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1. Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, Holdrege, NE (United States)

Many hydropower projects facing relicensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can expect intervention by agencies and organizations seeking reallocation of scarce resources for the benefit of wildlife or recreation. In contested proceedings, particularly those involving endangered species, the time needed to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS), and to engage in consultation under section 10(j) of the Federal Power Act (FPA) and under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is extended. At various times during FERC`s review, a licensee may find it useful to undertake voluntarily environmental programs which are not required under its existing license. This paper explores reasons why it may be attractive to commit formally to such programs through voluntary license amendments, and places the issues in context by discussing a case in which they have already arisen, the relicensing of the Kingsley Dam Project No. 1417 on the Platte River in Nebraska.

• OSTI ID: 219986
• Report Number(s): CONF-9507190--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LICENSING
NEBRASKA
NORTH PLATTE RIVER