Power Firm Seeks Endless License for Snake River Dam
Published Date: 12/31/2025
Notice
Summary
PacifiCorp has asked the government for a special license exemption to keep running its Ashton Hydroelectric Project on the Snake River in Idaho. This move affects local communities, environmental groups, and agencies who can now request extra studies by February 17, 2026. The decision could impact how the project operates and manages the land, with no immediate cost changes announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Request extra environmental studies
If you are a resource agency, Indian Tribe, environmental group, or member of the public who believes more scientific study is needed, you may file a request for an additional study with the Commission by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 17, 2026. The request must also be served on PacifiCorp and follows the rule in 18 CFR 4.32(b)(7).
Planned generator upgrade increases capacity
PacifiCorp proposes to rehabilitate one generator unit at the Ashton Hydroelectric Project to improve efficiency and increase the project's nameplate capacity from 6.7 megawatts (MW) to a maximum of 7.58 MW. The filing was made December 16, 2025.
Project uses 15.6 acres of public BLM land
The Ashton Hydroelectric Project occupies 15.6 acres of United States lands administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management at Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Fremont County, Idaho. Any change in project authorization could affect how that public land is managed.
Public participation schedule and comment deadlines
The Commission gives a preliminary processing schedule: a deficiency letter and request for additional information in February 2026; a notice of application accepted for filing in June 2026; scoping comments due in July 2026; and a notice of ready for environmental analysis in August 2026. Final amendments to the application must be filed no later than 30 days after the notice of ready for environmental analysis is issued.
Cooperating agencies cannot also intervene
Federal, state, local, and tribal agencies that request cooperating agency status to help prepare the environmental document should note the Commission's policy that agencies that cooperate in preparation of the environmental document cannot also intervene in the proceeding (per FERC policy cited).
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