Monks' Vermont Hydro Project Faces Federal License Scrutiny
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is checking if the Hopper Brook Hydroelectric Project in Vermont needs a federal license. This affects the Carthusian Foundation in America and others involved with the project. People have until a set deadline to share their thoughts or ask to join the process, which could impact how the project operates and its future costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FERC May Require Federal License
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is investigating whether the unlicensed Hopper Brook Hydroelectric Project in Bennington County, Vermont must be licensed under section 23(b)(1) of the Federal Power Act. Vermont DEC requested the determination on November 14, 2025, citing that parts of the project were built after August 26, 1935 and that it is connected to the transmission grid. If the Commission finds the project meets the section 23(b)(1) criteria, the project owner (Carthusian Foundation in America and others involved) would be subject to federal licensing requirements.
Who Can Participate and Deadline
The Commission is soliciting comments, protests, and motions to intervene in the jurisdictional inquiry and set a filing deadline of February 26, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Anyone may submit comments or protests, but only parties who file a motion to intervene under the Commission's rules can become formal parties to the proceeding.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in