The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission invites participation in four regional workshops and a national technical conference to evaluate the effectiveness of its Integrated Licensing Process for hydroelectric projects.
The ILP was created to provide a more streamlined and efficient means of obtaining a license. It coordinates FERC’s work with that of other agencies and groups. (Hydro Review April 2007) The 11.25-MW Mystic Lake hydro project (No. 2301) in Montana is the first hydroelectric project to be licensed by FERC using the Integrated Licensing Process. (Hydro Review March 2008)
FERC’s announcement was issued in docket No. AD10-7 and included dockets of 33 hydro projects.
The commission has contracted with Kearns & West to conduct the ILP Effectiveness Evaluation. The firm has conducted telephone interviews with agencies, tribes, non-governmental organizations, licensees, commission staff, and others.
The commission announced July 22 the sites of the four regional workshops, all running from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.:
o Sept. 21, Albany, N.Y., Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center;
o Sept. 21, Seattle, Wash., Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma International Airport;
o Sept. 23, Charlotte, N.C., Doubletree Guest Suites Charlotte SouthPark;
o Sept. 28, Sacramento, Calif., Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza.
The one-day multi-stakeholder national technical conference is to be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 3 the Commission Meeting Room, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., N.W., Washington, DC.
The sessions are to focus on gathering information to evaluate the effectiveness of the ILP and refining ideas improve implementation of the process. The meetings are open to the public and interested parties.
Those planning to attend the regional workshops or to participate by teleconference are asked to contact Stephanie Obadia by e-mail at [email protected] by Sept. 14. For information, contact David Turner, FERC, (1) 202-502-6091; E-mail: [email protected].
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