Dam Renewal: FERC Opens Worumbo Hydro License Comments
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
Brown Bear II Hydro wants to keep running the Worumbo Hydroelectric Project on Maine’s Androscoggin River and just filed for a new license. The public and interested groups have until March 16, 2026, to share their thoughts or raise concerns, with final replies due by April 29. This process helps make sure the project runs safely, protects the environment, and keeps the power flowing smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Project stays run‑of‑river at 98.5 ft
If you live in Maine near the Androscoggin River, Brown Bear II Hydro proposes to keep the Worumbo Project operating in run-of-river mode at a normal maximum pond elevation of 98.5 feet NGVD29. The company says it will provide seasonal minimum flows downstream to help migratory fish and will not build new project structures at this time.
Fish passage operation schedule set
If you fish or manage habitat in Maine, the applicant proposes specific fish passage schedules: the vertical fish lift will operate from when the upstream Brunswick project's fishway opens or May 1 (whichever is earlier) until November 15 each year, and downstream passage facilities would operate from April 1 through December 31 each year, as conditions allow. These schedules are part of the new license filing now ready for environmental review.
Company seeks to run Lisbon Falls Fishing Park
Brown Bear Hydro proposes to assume operation and maintenance responsibility for Lisbon Falls Fishing Park and asks the Commission to modify the project boundary to include that facility. If approved, local visitors and anglers in Maine may see the park become part of the Worumbo Project's managed recreation facilities.
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
2026-11881 — Venture Global CP2 LNG, LLC, Venture Global CP Express, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Venture Global CP2 LNG and CP Express want to expand their LNG export terminal in Louisiana and the pipeline from Texas to Louisiana. This big project will boost LNG export capacity by 11.7 million tonnes per year and add pipeline capacity for 1,900 million cubic feet daily, costing about $826 million. If you’re interested, you’ve got until the intervention deadline to speak up or get involved!
2026-11880 — Rio Grande LNG Train 6, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Rio Grande LNG Train 6, LLC wants to expand its Texas LNG terminal by adding a new liquefaction train and marine jetty, boosting production by over 6 million tonnes per year and allowing more LNG ships to dock. This means more energy and business for the area, but folks have a deadline to speak up or get involved. The project is moving fast, so keep an eye on the clock and your calendars!
2026-11846 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing new and updated natural gas pipeline rate filings that could change how much customers pay starting as soon as July 1, 2026. Pipeline companies like DCP Guadalupe and Transcontinental Gas are asking for rate changes or corrections, and the public has until late June or early August to share their thoughts. These updates affect energy companies and customers who rely on natural gas, with some changes already effective or coming soon.
2026-11879 — Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
Northern Natural Gas Company wants to build new pipelines and a compressor station in New Mexico and Texas to boost gas delivery to a power plant and improve their system’s reliability. The project will cost about $105 million, and they’re asking to include these costs in their regular rates. If you’re interested, you need to act before the deadline to get involved in the decision.
2026-11878 — California Department of Water Resources; Notice of Availability and Adoption of Final Environmental Assessment
The California Department of Water Resources has shared its final environmental assessment, which looks at how a new water project might affect the environment. This update mainly impacts local communities and water users by ensuring the project is safe and eco-friendly. The assessment is now official, so the project can move forward without delays or extra costs.
2026-11782 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and refunds from companies like NextEra Energy and ETC Tiger Pipeline. These filings could change how much customers pay starting as soon as June or July 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act before the deadlines in mid to late June.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00981 — Black Canyon Bliss, LLC; JK Potatoes, LLC; Notice of Application of Transfer of License and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Black Canyon Bliss, LLC wants to hand over the license for a small hydroelectric project in Idaho to JK Potatoes, LLC. This means JK Potatoes will take over all responsibilities for the project on federal land. People have until February 13, 2026, to share their thoughts or ask to get involved before the transfer is approved.
Next: 2026-00983 — Idaho Power Company; Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Revised Procedural Schedule for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
Idaho Power is updating its license to keep running the Hells Canyon hydropower project on the Snake River, which powers homes in Idaho and Oregon. A new draft report shows how the project affects the environment, especially fish like salmon and steelhead, and includes changes agreed on with state officials. The final decision timeline has shifted, so folks should watch for upcoming deadlines and possible costs tied to these environmental fixes.