NH Plans to Tear Down Squam Lake Dam: Eco Win or Energy Loss?
Published Date: 2/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services wants to shut down and remove the Squam Lake Dam hydroelectric project on the Squam River. The government reviewed the plan and found it won’t harm the environment in a big way. People have until March 9, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this change could affect local energy and river use.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposal to Decommission Local Hydropower
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services filed to surrender the exemption and decommission the Squam Lake Dam Hydroelectric Project (Project No. 5274) on the Squam River in Grafton County, New Hampshire. The filing begins a formal process at FERC under docket P-5274 for removing the facility.
FERC Finds No Significant Environmental Effect
FERC staff prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for surrendering the exemption and concluded that the proposed surrender would not be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The EA is available through FERC's eLibrary under docket P-5274 and public comments are due March 9, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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
2026-13959 — Northern States Power Company; Notice of Application Ready for Environmental Analysis and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions
Northern States Power Company wants to renew its license for the Hayward Hydroelectric Project on the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. The government is now reviewing the environmental impact and asking the public to share their thoughts by September 8, 2026. This process could affect local energy production and community plans, so it’s a big deal for residents and energy users nearby.
2026-13957 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of new filings from natural gas pipeline companies about their rates and refunds. These changes mostly start in July and August 2026 and could affect how much customers pay or get refunded. If you want to comment or learn more, you’ve got until mid-July or late July to speak up!
2026-13960 — Commission Information Collection Activity (Ferc-555); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is extending the current rules that require public utilities, natural gas, and oil pipeline companies to keep certain records for three more years—no changes, just a simple extension. If you’re part of these industries, you don’t need to do anything new, but you can share your thoughts by September 8, 2026. This keeps things smooth and saves everyone from extra paperwork or costs.
2026-13883 — Combined Notice of Filings #3
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies like Light Energy and Beacon Solar about approvals and rate changes. These filings could affect how electricity is bought and sold, with some changes kicking in as soon as July 7, 2026. If you’re involved in energy or just curious, keep an eye out for public comments due by late July and possible impacts on energy prices.
2026-13882 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas companies about rate changes, record updates, and penalty reports. These updates could affect customers and businesses using these pipelines, with some new rates and agreements starting as soon as early July 2026. If you want to comment or learn more, deadlines are coming up fast in mid to late July.
2026-13880 — Transwestern Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Planned Desert Southwest Expansion Project, and Notice of Public Scoping Sessions
Transwestern Pipeline Company plans to expand its pipeline in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and the government wants your thoughts on how this might affect the environment. They’re asking for public comments by August 5, 2026, to help decide if the project should move forward. This is your chance to speak up about possible changes and how they might impact local communities and nature.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02612 — Seneca Generation, LLC; Notice of Effectiveness of Withdrawal of Operating Plan and Operation Compliance and Monitoring Plan
Seneca Generation, LLC decided to pull back their plans for operating and monitoring the Kinzua Pumped Storage Project in Pennsylvania. This means no new changes or rules will happen right now, and the process officially ended on January 26, 2026. People involved can relax since no money or deadlines are changing for now.
Next: 2026-02614 — Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on a paperwork update aimed at making things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your thoughts by March 12, 2026, to help reduce the time and hassle of filling out forms. This effort could save time and money for many folks dealing with FCC paperwork.