Connecticut River Hydro EIS Draft Sparks Public Sessions
Published Date: 6/6/2025
Notice
Summary
Great River Hydro is up for relicensing three hydroelectric projects on the Connecticut River in Vermont and New Hampshire. The government released a draft report showing how these projects might affect the environment and wants your thoughts before making final decisions. If you live nearby or care about clean energy and river health, now’s the time to speak up—public comment sessions are open soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Draft Environmental Study Available Online
FERC released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Vernon, Bellows Falls, and Wilder hydroelectric projects that you can view or print from FERC's website using the eLibrary docket numbers. The draft EIS contains staff analysis of the applicants' proposals and alternatives.
In-Person Public Comment Sessions Scheduled
FERC will hold two public comment sessions on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, at the Bellows Falls Opera House in Bellows Falls, Vermont: a daytime session from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and an evening session from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can give oral comments that will be recorded by a court reporter and become part of the public record.
Comment Deadline and Electronic Filing Options
All comments must be filed on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 29, 2025. FERC strongly encourages electronic filing via eFiling, and you can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters without registration using the eComment system.
Office of Public Participation Assistance
FERC's Office of Public Participation (OPP) can help members of the public — including landowners, environmental justice communities, and Tribal members — access information and navigate filing comments, interventions, or rehearing requests.
Right to Intervene and Comment Consideration
Anyone may intervene in the relicensing proceeding based on the draft EIS by filing the required request, but you do not need intervenor status for your comments to be considered by the Commission.
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Key Dates
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