Skip to main content
Example

Colorado’s Streamlined Federal Permitting Assistance Service for Small Hydropower

In 2010, Colorado and FERC entered into an MOU to encourage the development of small hydropower. The MOU required the state to prescreen proposed hydropower projects and submit the exemption application to relevant resource agencies. FERC then agreed to act on the application within 30 days and either request additional information, issue a deficiency letter, or issue a notice of acceptance of the application. In 2014, the Colorado Legislature passed legislation streamlining state environmental review for small hydropower projects. The 2014 legislation requires the state to provide streamlined permitting assistance to qualifying small hydropower projects. In line with the initial memorandum program, the CEO coordinates and compiles state agency comments when qualifying small hydropower projects apply for a FERC exemption or authorization.

Documents

  • Existing Examples

    Colorado and FERC 2010 MOU

    View
  • Other Resources

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

    View
  • Existing Laws

    COLO. REV. STAT. § 24-38.5- 108

    View

Related Resources

Resource

FERC report, Hydroelectric Licensing Policies, Procedures and Regulations

Executive Branch Example

Vermont’s Small Hydropower Assistance Program

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