Feds Ghost-Hunt Maine Hydro Dude's Silent Surrender
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is proposing to end the special exemption for James D. Sysko’s Wight Brook Hydroelectric Project in Maine because it seems he’s given up the exemption without saying so. This affects James and anyone interested in the project, with a deadline to share thoughts or objections by December 5, 2025. No direct money changes are mentioned, but this could impact how the project operates going forward.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FERC Proposes Ending Project Exemption
FERC has initiated a proceeding (Project No. 7591-001) to terminate the exemption for James D. Sysko’s Wight Brook Hydroelectric Project in Newry, Maine, on the theory of implied surrender. The notice says the project has not operated since 2019, has been partially decommissioned (dam notched, penstock partially removed, powerhouse demolished), the easement giving access was dissolved, and the exemptee did not respond to Commission letters dated May 8, 2024 and September 26, 2024.
Public Can Comment and Intervene by Dec 5, 2025
Anyone interested in the Wight Brook Project may file comments, protests, or a motion to intervene; filings must be received by December 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Only those who timely file a motion to intervene according to FERC’s Rules of Practice (18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214) may become 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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13462 — Alabama Power Company; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Alabama Power Company wants to use some land and water at the Coosa River Hydroelectric Project in Cherokee County, Alabama, for a new purpose. This could affect local communities and the environment, so the public has until July 29, 2026, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes are announced yet, but this is the first step in the process.
2026-13460 — ANR Pipeline Company; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Planned Northwoods Project, and Notice of Public Scoping Sessions
ANR Pipeline Company plans to build and operate new pipeline facilities across parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, which could affect local environments and communities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is asking the public to share their thoughts on possible environmental impacts by July 29, 2026, to help decide if the project should move forward. This is a chance for folks to speak up before any big money or construction starts!
2026-13461 — Great Lakes Hydro America, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Preliminary Terms and Conditions, and Preliminary Fishway Prescriptions
Great Lakes Hydro America wants a new license to keep running the Penobscot Mills Hydroelectric Project in Maine. The government is now reviewing the application and asking the public and stakeholders to share their thoughts by August 28, 2026. This process could affect local communities, the environment, and how energy is produced in the area, with important decisions coming soon.
2026-13459 — Great Lakes Hydro America, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Preliminary Terms and Conditions, and Preliminary Fishway Prescriptions
Great Lakes Hydro America wants a new license to run the Ripogenus Hydroelectric Project on Maine’s Penobscot River. The government is now reviewing the application and asking the public to share their thoughts or concerns by August 28, 2026. This process could affect local communities, the environment, and how clean energy flows, with decisions coming later this year.
2026-13264 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings from several energy companies about electric rates and market power in the Northeast. These updates could affect how much energy costs and who controls the market. If you want to comment, mark your calendar—deadlines range from mid-July to late August 2026.
2026-13266 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and refunds from companies like UGI Utilities and Columbia Gas of Ohio. These filings could change how much customers pay starting as soon as May or July 2026. If you want to speak up or protest, you’ve got deadlines in July and August to do it!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21334 — Enable Mississippi River Transmission, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Big Hollow Project
Enable Mississippi River Transmission wants to build the Big Hollow Project in Illinois and Missouri, and the government is asking people to share their thoughts on how it might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s the time to speak up before November 28, 2025. This project could change local land and wildlife, and your input helps decide if it moves forward.
Next: 2025-21336 — Notice of Request for Information; National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing
The government wants your ideas to help build a big plan for advanced manufacturing in the U.S. This plan aims to create jobs, boost the economy, and keep the country safe. If you want to share your thoughts, you now have until March 30, 2026, to send them in!