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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Legal obstacles and incentives to the development of small scale hydroelectric power in Pennsylvania

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5200169· OSTI ID:5200169
The legal and institutional obstacles to the development of small-scale hydroelectric energy at the state level are discussed. The Federal government also exercises extensive regulatory authority in the area, and the dual regulatory system from the standpoint of the appropriate legal doctrine, the law of pre-emption, application of the law to the case of hydroelectric development, and an inquiry into the practical use of the doctrine by the FERC is examined. In Pennsylvania, there are 3 methods by which rights in water may be acquired: riparian ownership, prescription, and condemnation. These are discussed.
Research Organization:
Energy Law Inst., Concord, NH (USA). Franklin Pierce Law Center
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AS02-78RA04934
OSTI ID:
5200169
Report Number(s):
DOE/RA/04934-17
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English