Legislator's guide to small-scale hydroelectric development

Technical Report · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6493163

Ferguson, W R; Wonstolen, K A; Counihan, R H

In accordance with this renewed interest in small-scale hydro, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has established a national small-scale hydro program, including the funding of feasibility studies, demonstration projects and research carried out by federal agencies and other organizations, such as NCSL. This policy guide has been prepared as a preliminary legislative overview of the fundamental problems and possible solutions in developing small-scale hydro at existing dam sites. It is based upon the work of the NCSL Small-Scale Hydroelectric Policy Project, several regional small-scale hydro conferences, and the research efforts of other DOE contractors. State legislatures can provide valuable incentives and alleviate obstacles to small-scale hydro development. The need for well-defined state policies is crucial. The policy areas which warrant the most legislative attention include licensing procedures, taxation, marketing, financing, water rights and environmental regulation. This report describes obstacles, incentives and legislative options in each of the areas listed.

• Research Organization: National Conference of State Legislatures, Denver, CO (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-78RA23220
• OSTI ID: 6493163
• Report Number(s): DOE/RA/23220-1; ON: DE83007370
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130400* -- Hydro Energy-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FINANCING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LEGISLATION
LICENSING
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
SMALL-SCALE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
STATE GOVERNMENT
US DOE
US FERC
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA