FERC Cuts Red Tape on Hydropower: Environment Gets a Speed Boost
Published Date: 7/9/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is adopting two new shortcuts called categorical exclusions for certain hydropower project actions, making the environmental review process faster and simpler. This change affects hydropower operators and the public, starting August 4, 2025, and helps save time and money by skipping lengthy paperwork for routine projects. Everyone can check out the details online and get help from the Commission if needed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster NEPA Reviews for Hydropower
The Commission adopted two categorical exclusions for certain hydropower project actions that let routine projects skip lengthy NEPA paperwork. This makes environmental review faster and simpler and is effective August 4, 2025, which can save time and money for hydropower operators and members of the public involved in those projects.
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