Skip to main content
Example

Vermont’s Small Hydropower Assistance Program

Vermont’s Act 165 (S.148) directs the state to enter into a MOU with FERC to simplify the regulatory review process for small hydropower projects. After consulting with Colorado on their experience coordinating with FERC, the state determined that a state interagency MOU would suffice. The interagency MOU provides for enhanced coordination, identification, and assistance for developers of low-impact projects of high public value (such as those owned by public entities and those utilizing existing infrastructure).

Documents

  • Existing Examples

    Open EI summary of Small Hydropower Assistance Program

    View
  • Existing Examples

    2014 biennial report in accordance with Act 165 (Interagency MOU at Appendix F)

    View
  • Existing Examples

    2018 biennial report in accordance with Act 165

    View
  • Existing Examples

    2016 biennial report in accordance with Act 165

    View
  • Other Resources

    State Models to Incentivize and Streamline Small Hydropower Development (featuring case study of Vermont program)

    View
  • Existing Laws

    Act 165

    View

Related Resources

Resource

FERC report, Hydroelectric Licensing Policies, Procedures and Regulations

Executive Branch Example

Colorado’s Streamlined Federal Permitting Assistance Service for Small Hydropower

Executive Branch Example

Army Corps of Engineers and FERC MOU on reducing red tape

Executive Branch Example

Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014

Congress Resource

Proposed HR 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015

Congress Example

Oregon’s Existing Water Rights Expedited Process

States and State Governments