In 1992, NHI helped found the Hydropower Reform Coalition (HRC). We serve on its governing board today. The HRC is the voice of the conservation community before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Congress, and federal agencies. The HRC advocates reforms to better balance power generation and restoration of environmental quality.
Rulemaking. The HRC (represented by NHI as counsel), industry, and governmental agencies negotiated the principles of the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP). Adopted by FERC in 2003, the ILP provides that the licensee, other stakeholders, and all regulatory agencies will cooperative to develop the factual record as well as the licensing conditions. The ILP requires timely decisions each step of the process forward to the final decision.
Citizens’ Guide. On behalf of the HRC, NHI wrote and periodically updates the Citizens Guide to Hydropower (2005). This is the only comprehensive guide to effective citizen participation before FERC and other regulatory agencies in licensing proceedings for non-federal projects. It is widely used by conservation and other non-governmental organizations, agencies, and licensees.
Related Coalitions. NHI helped found the California Hydropower Reform Coalition (CHRC) (1996) and Alaska Public Waters Coalition (2001). These associations assist the HRC in national policy and have significant responsibilities for addressing policy issues that arise in their respective states. For example, we represented the CHRC in the bankruptcy proceeding of Pacific Gas and Electric Company from 2001-2003. We negotiated a settlement that commits PG&E to environmental stewardship of 140,000 acres of watershed lands as a condition of its reorganization.
Contact: Richard Roos-Collins
