Dam Dreams: New Hydro Project Gets Green Light for Study
Published Date: 2/3/2025
Notice
Summary
New England Hydropower Company wants to study building a small hydroelectric project at Manville Dam in Rhode Island. If approved, they get first dibs to apply for a full license but can’t start construction yet. People have 60 days to share their thoughts or compete for the project, which could generate clean energy and power about 3,952 homes a year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Landowner Entry Protection
The preliminary permit only gives the applicant priority to file a license application; it does NOT authorize any land‑disturbing activities or entry onto lands or waters owned by others without the owners' express permission.
Free Public Help from FERC Office
FERC's Office of Public Participation can help members of the public—including landowners, environmental justice communities, and Tribal members—access information and navigate Commission processes; OPP can be contacted at (202) 502-6595 or [email protected].
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12317 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of new electric rate filings from big energy players like Public Service Company of Colorado, PJM Interconnection, and Southern California Edison. These filings include updates, service terminations, and new agreements that could affect electricity prices and service starting as soon as June 2026. If you’re involved in energy or just curious, keep an eye on comment deadlines in early July to have your say!
2026-12229 — Texas Eastern Transmission, LP; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of An Environmental Assessment for the Longwall Mining Panel M2 and M3 Project
Texas Eastern Transmission is planning to upgrade its natural gas pipelines in Greene County, Pennsylvania, to keep things safe during underground mining. The government will finish an environmental check by November 13, 2026, and all final approvals should wrap up by February 11, 2027. This means local communities and agencies can expect a smooth review process with clear deadlines and no surprise delays.
2026-12336 — PacifiCorp; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Intent To Waive Scoping, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, and Terms and Conditions
PacifiCorp wants to keep running its Ashton Hydroelectric Project on the Snake River in Idaho without a full license, and the government is ready to review the environmental impact. Local communities, environmental groups, and energy users can share their thoughts or raise concerns by August 14, 2026. This move could speed up clean energy production while protecting the river, with decisions and replies wrapping up by late September.
2026-12334 — Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment
Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC plans to upgrade its hydroelectric project in West Virginia by replacing turbines, building new facilities, and switching power frequency to sell electricity to the regional grid. This will boost power output and improve recreational water flows. The government will review the environmental impact and expects to share its findings by October 30, 2026, with public input welcomed before the final decision.
2026-12316 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new requests to change natural gas pipeline rates starting in July 2026. Companies like Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America and Bison Pipeline want to update their prices, which could affect customers and businesses using these pipelines. If you want to speak up or get involved, you’ve got until late June to file your comments or protests.
2026-12222 — Hackett Mills Hydro Associates, LLC; Notice of Reasonable Period of Time for Water Quality Certification Application
Hackett Mills Hydro Associates asked Maine’s environmental agency for permission to keep their water clean while running their hydro project. Maine has one year, until May 22, 2027, to approve or deny this request. If they don’t decide by then, the approval is automatically given, so the project can move forward without delay.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02077 — Self-Regulatory Organizations; Nasdaq PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Adopt a FIX Drop Port and Related Fees
Nasdaq PHLX is rolling out a new FIX Drop Port, a tech tool that helps traders connect faster and smoother. This change affects anyone using Nasdaq PHLX’s trading systems and comes with new fees starting immediately. It matches similar setups on other Nasdaq exchanges, making life easier for traders and their tech teams.
Next: 2025-02079 — Lakeport Hydroelectric One, LLC and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services; Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment
Lakeport Hydroelectric One, LLC and New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services want to keep running the Lakeport Hydroelectric Project on the Winnipesaukee River. The government checked the project’s impact on the environment and says it’s safe to continue with some protective measures. People have 30 days to share their thoughts before the license is renewed, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!