A program to streamline state and local hydropower licensing in Massachusetts: After two years

Conference · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Alternative Energy Sources; (United States)

OSTI ID:6645000

Febiger, W S

A familiar lament of hydropower developers is what they perceive to be cumbersome, complex and overlapping regulations. In Massachusetts, a 1978 study resulted in legislation to streamline state and local regulation -- a model program at the time. A ''lead agency'', the Energy Facilities Siting Council (EFSC), was authorized to establish consolidated application forms, organize coordinated pre-licensing consultation, set regulatory deadlines, and serve as an appeals body. In this paper, the program is reviewed, results are evaluated, and limitations and needs are discussed. As in other states, hydro development in Massachusetts has been stimulated by increases in energy costs and legislated rate and tax incentives. Since 1980, new and restored hydro projects with a total capacity of 19.9 megawatts (MW) have come on line, and an additional 40.6 MW of capacity is under construction or in final design with all necessary licenses in place. Over 80 percent of the new capacity is concentrated in three projects of 10-25 MW in size, while the remainder is distributed among three projects of 1-2 MW and 14 projects under 1 MW. Since the EFSC program began in June 1981, 18 projects with a total capacity of 7 MW have been filed to begin pre-licensing consultation, and 4 of these projects have reached final design or construction. Of the other 14 projects, one has state approvals and is awaiting action by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), nine are seeking state and federal approvals, and four have been dropped for economic or environmental reasons.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Council, Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 6645000
• Report Number(s): CONF-831205-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Alternative Energy Sources; (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130400* -- Hydro Energy-- Legislation & Regulations
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
FEDERAL REGION I
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LICENSE APPLICATIONS
LICENSING
MANAGEMENT
MASSACHUSETTS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANNING
POWER PLANTS
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
REGULATIONS
USA