Maine Rivers' Hydro Future: Final Eco Report Hits the Shelves
Published Date: 3/7/2025
Notice
Summary
The final environmental report is out for four hydroelectric projects on Maine’s Kennebec River, checking how they affect nature and local communities. This update affects local residents, Native tribes, and environmental groups, guiding future project licenses and protection plans. You can review the report online now, with important decisions and possible changes coming soon that could impact the river and energy use.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Final EIS for Four Kennebec Projects
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for four hydroelectric projects on the Kennebec River: Shawmut (FERC No. 2322), Lockwood (FERC No. 2574), Hydro-Kennebec (FERC No. 2611), and Weston (FERC No. 2325). The Final EIS contains staff analysis of the applicant's proposal and alternatives for licensing Shawmut and for amending the licenses for all four projects in Kennebec and Somerset Counties, Maine.
Species Protection Plans Included
The Final EIS includes the proposed Interim Species Protection Plan for the Shawmut Project (FERC No. 2322) and Final Species Protection Plans for the Lockwood (FERC No. 2574), Hydro-Kennebec (FERC No. 2611), and Weston (FERC No. 2325) projects. These plans are part of the Commission's analysis that will inform how licenses address species protection along the Kennebec River.
EIS Available Online via FERC eLibrary
You can view and print the Final EIS on the Commission's website through the FERC eLibrary by entering the docket number (exclude the last three digits). For help, contact FERC Online Support at [email protected], toll-free (866) 208-3676, or TTY (202) 502-8659.
Public Participation Assistance Offered
The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) offers help to the public — including landowners, community organizations, and Tribal members — to access information and navigate FERC processes. For assistance with interventions, comments, or rehearing requests, contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or [email protected].
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20421, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Institution of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund Effective Date
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is checking if PJM Interconnection’s new rules for buying backup power are fair and legal. This affects energy companies and customers in the PJM region, with possible changes to how costs are shared. If refunds are needed, they start from October 6, 2026, and anyone interested has 21 days to speak up.
2026-20453, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Evergy McNew Power Plant Delivery Project
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline wants to build new gas facilities to deliver power to the Evergy McNew Power Plant in Kansas. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment before making a final decision. If you care about local air, water, or land, now’s the time to speak up by November 2, 2026!
2026-20450, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Leidy Access Expansion Project
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company wants to expand its gas pipeline in Luzerne, Pennsylvania, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. People have until November 2, 2026, to send in comments about possible impacts and better ways to do the project. This feedback will help decide if the project moves forward and how it’s done safely and responsibly.
2026-20420, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and refunds. These updates affect customers and companies using pipelines, with new rates starting as soon as October 1, 2026. If you want to comment, deadlines are mostly mid-October, so act fast to have your say on possible price changes.
2026-20418, BIF III Holtwood LLC; Notice of Application for Non-Project Use of Project Land and Waters Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
BIF III Holtwood LLC wants to build docks on land and water near the Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project in Pennsylvania. The government is reviewing this request and asking the public to share their thoughts by October 30, 2026. This could change how the land and water are used but won’t affect electricity prices or timing.
2026-20416, Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-603); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is renewing its info collection form called FERC-603, which helps protect important energy infrastructure details. No changes are planned, but folks who submit this info should know the deadline to comment is November 5, 2026. This keeps the process smooth without adding extra costs or paperwork.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03673, City of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Notice of Application for a License Variance Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
The City of Idaho Falls wants a temporary change to how much water flows around their hydroelectric project on the Snake River. This affects local water use and the environment, and the public has until March 31, 2025, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes yet, but it’s a key step in keeping the project running smoothly and safely.
Next: 2025-03675, Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from several wind and solar energy companies saying they qualify as exempt wholesale generators. This means these companies can sell power without some usual rules, potentially speeding up clean energy projects. People can comment on these filings by mid to late March, so keep an eye out if you want to weigh in!