FERC Re-Licensing and the Role of Citizen Action Groups

Since 1992, American Rivers and the 40 other members of the Hydropower Reform Coalition have been engaged in a coordinated effort to ensure that the public maintains its rights and responsibilities within the hydropower licensing process. We continue to constructively participate in more than 75% of the proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission providing the Coalition a unique perspective of the broad spectrum of successes and failures. Along with state and federal resource agencies, FERC, the hydropower industry, and interested members of the public, the Coalition has helped to develop and promote a more cooperative and collaborative process. While this process is not applicable in every situation, it does provide a greater opportunity for public participation and potential for better development of science. The Coalition supports and has a number of recommendations for ensuring good process, appropriate science, meaningful public participation, a balance of all user groups, and conservation and restoration of riverine ecosystems.